How closely does the Battle of the Blackwater (from Game of Thrones), as depicted in the television show, resemble an actual siege of a waterfront city or castle during the middle ages?

by DogMusic1

I say middle ages because that is the time period I think the show resembles most. If you think that the comparison would be better if referring to the renaissance or even ancient rome feel free to do so.

white_light-king

I think Martin is taking some examples from the Fourth Crusade's seaborne attack on Constantinople. The Venetian Fleet and French crusaders allied to take the city by siege, diplomacy, seaborne and landward assault.

Elements like the greek fire (I forget what they call the stuff the pyromancers make in the novel.), the harbor chain, the unruly populace, all seem reminiscent to me.

The biggest difference is there was a lot more diplomacy and time wasting in the historical siege of Constantinople. In Game of Throne's there is a lot more fighting and assaults, especially in the TV show. They only have 1 hour, after all...