Let's examine the first sentence of the first post again.
Smeagol wrote:Entrants for this contest are asked to tell a story rooted in history. Entries may be based on actual events, or simply include historical settings, people, and/or events as central elements of the story.
That sentence leaves a lot of room for interpretation, and it seems that a good number of people are trying to overthink it or find some strict set of limitations in which to box up their ideas. This is a flawed approach, not to mention that it requires the asking and reasking of questions that don't need to be brought up.
Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not trying to call anyone out or bust anybody's chops. I want to help you all out. Help me help you.
So, can your entry be a retelling of historical events, or perhaps even myth? Sounds like it to me.
Can your entry be based in modern day and revolve heavily around events of the past? I think that would "include historical settings, people, and/or events as central elements of the story."
Should you make a grisly Werewolf Nazi Pirate slasher? Perhaps. Remember, however, that history is to be central to the film, not merely a springboard from which to leap off into a cesspool of pre-made ideas.
Seriously, guys, just ask yourself if history is central to your entry. There are so many different ways to explore such a theme and it would be a crying shame if all the contestants took a similar approach.