History of Westeros

Aegon's Conquest

Period: 2 BCE to 1 CE

Aegon of House Targaryen, Lord of Dragonstone, alongside his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys, begin their conquest of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Aboard their dragons Balerion the Black Dread, Vhagar and Meraxes, they subdue most of the continent, establishing Aegon as King. With the deaths of the Storm King, Argilac the Arrogant, and the last King of the Reach, the castles of Storm's End and Highgarden pass to Aegon's bastard half-brother Orys Baratheon, and Harlan Tyrell.

Coronation of Aegon the Conqueror

1 CE

Aegon I 'the Conqueror' Targaryen is crowned as the first King of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms and protector of the realm, by the High Septon. He is the first King of a united Westeros. His coronation marks the end of his conquest and the beginning of the calendar. Utilising Balerion's flames, Aegon crated the Iron Throne out of the swords of his enemies.

The Dragon's Wars

Period: 2 to 13

Expanding his realm further, Aegon I invades the Iron Islands, while Queen Visenya defeats the Uprising of the Three Sisters. An invasion of the Southern Kingdom of Dorne begins but fails.

First Dornish War

Period: 4 to 13

House Targaryen attempts an invasion of Dorne, the only kingdom to resist Aegon's Conquest. While initially successful, Rhaenys along with her dragon were slain sparking the Dragon's Wroth, a period of great destruction in Dorne wrought by the Targaryens. The war ends with Prince Nymor Martell sending his daughter Deria to King's Landing alongside Meraxes' skull and a letter from Nymor. After reading the letter Aegon ended the war, no-one knows the contents of the letter.

The Dragon's Peace

Period: 13 to 37

A period of peace and stability following the conquests of House Targaryen.

Aenys I is crowned

37

Aenys I, son of Aegon by Queen Rhaenys, ascends to the Iron Throne after his father's death of a stroke. Aenys was a weak and frail man who's reign was marked by inaction and a lack of sternness.

Faith Militant Uprising

Period: 41 to 48

With Aegon's death, his son to Rhaenys, Aenys I succeeds him. During Aegon's conquests, House Targaryen adopted the Faith of the Seven. When Aenys attempts to marry his daughter and son, the Faith rebels. Aenys' is unable to deal with the crisis, and upon his death to a disease a few years later, the throne is taken by his brother Maegor I the Cruel, son of Dowager Queen Visenya, who brutally subdues the revolt.

Maegor the Cruel is crowned

42

During the reign of his half-brother Aenys, Maegor went from Hand of the King to exile in Pentos after beginning a polygamous marriage. After Aenys' death, his mother Dowager Queen Visenya flew to Pentos and brought him back to Westeros where he immediately established himself as King. His reign was marked by blood, putting down uprisings and slaying his nephew Aegon, Aenys' son. His rule ends with him mysteriously dying on the swords of the Iron Throne in 48AC.

Jaehaerys I is crowned

48

Third son of Aenys, Jaehaerys I, also called the Conciliator ascends to the Iron Throne at fourteen after his uncle Maegor's demise. He is often regarded as the greatest of the Targaryen Kings due to his policies that boosted the economy and long-term stability. He reigned fifty-five years, producing many heirs. His dragon was Vermithor.

Year of the Three Brides

49

A year of great peace, stability and festivities as three royal marriages took place. Princess Rhaena Targaryen wed Androw Farman; Lord Rogar Baratheon wed Queen Regent Alyssa Velaryon; King Jaehaerys I Targaryen wed his sister Alysanne Targaryen.

Year of the Stranger

54

A year marked by tragedy and death as several people close to House Targaryen pass away. Androw Farman poisons all the female companions of the late Queen Rhaena Targaryen.

Choosing of 92 AC

92

After the death of his eldest son, Prince Aemon, before a battle against Myrish exiles who invaded Tarth, King Jaehaerys chooses his son Baelon, called the Spring Prince and the Brave, as heir, passing over Aemon's daughter Rhaenys, causing a Second Quarrel with Queen Alysanne.

Great Council of 101 AC

101

Also called the Great Council of Harrenhal, Jaehaerys I calls a council of the lords of Westeros to decide who should be heir to the throne after the unexpected death of Baelon. Baelon's eldest son, Viserys, is elected.

Viserys I is crowned

103

With the death of his grandfather, Viserys becomes the next King of Westeros. His reign continued the peace started by Jaehaerys, however he sowed the seeds for civil war due to selecting his daughter Princess Rhaenyra as heir.

Conquest of the Stepstones

Period: 106 to 115

The Triarchy of Lys, Myr and Tyrosh, led by Craghas Drahar, conquer the Stepstones from pirates. Craghas earns the name Crabfeeder by staking hundreds of pirates along the shores. Triarchy forces extort considerable tolls causing Prince Daemon and Lord Corlys Velaryon the Sea Snake to wage war. Achieving victory, Daemon is proclaimed King of the Stepstones and the Narrow Sea. Daemon returns to his brother, Viserys, victorious and offers him his crown.

Year of the Red Spring

120

A year marked by much death. Lord Corlys Velaryon and his wife Rhaenys, lost their son, Laenor and daughter Laena. A fire at Harrenhal kills Lord Lyonel Strong, Hand of the King, and his heir, Ser Harwin Breakbones. Lastly, Prince Aemond, son of King Viserys to Alicent Hightower, loses his eye to his cousin Lucerys Velaryon.

Aegon II is crowned

129

Despite his late father's wishes for Princess Rhaenyra to succeed him, Otto Hightower, Hand of the King, Queen Alicent Hightower and Ser Criston Cole place Aegon upon the Iron Throne, causing civil war.

Dance of the Dragons

Period: 129 to 131

A major civil war of succession between Princess Rhaenyra the Realm's Delight and Aegon II the Elder after the death of Prince Lucerys Velaryon, Rhaenyra's son whose legitimacy was questioned. The war saw the power and influence of House Targaryen decrease. It ended with the death of both claimants and the ascension of Aegon III, son of Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon.

Aegon III becomes King

131

With the death of Aegon II and his mother Rhaenyra, Aegon becomes the next King of Westeros. A troubled man from seeing the destruction of the Dance and his mother killed before his eyes, Aegon lives a depressed life but does his best to support the realm's recovery with the support of his brother Viserys. His life was melancholic and sad, he locked himself away for days on end at times.

Regency of Aegon III

Period: 131 to 136

With the end of the Dance of the Dragons, Aegon III became King, due to his young age, a council of seven regents ruled in his stead until he came of age. Numerous schemes and assassinations take place as men vie for power.

Death of the last dragon

153

Unable to breed healthy dragons, the last dragon dies leaving behind several dragon eggs, crippling House Targaryen's power.

Daeron I is crowned

157

Son of Aegon III, Daeron I Targaryen, known as the Young Dragon, becomes King at fourteen. A brilliant strategist, Daeron invades Dorne, seeking to finish what Aegon I began. He is successful in his campaign, however is killed at peace negotiations afater a Dornish uprising. His uncle Viserys, served as Hand, administering the realm as he did under Aegon III. At objection to his invasion, he said, "You have a dragon. He stands before you."

Conquest of Dorne

Period: 157 to 161

Upon taking the throne at age fourteen, King Daeron I decides to finish Aegon the Conqueror's work and launches a successful invasion of Dorne. Following the Submission of Sunspear, the Young Dragon leaves Lord Lyonel Tyrell to govern Dorne. After Daeron returns to King's Landing, however, the Dornishmen kill Lyonel in an uprising against the Iron Throne. When Daeron returns with a fresh army, he is killed while meeting under a peace banner and his cousin, Aemon the Dragonknight, is captured.

Baelor the Blessed is crowned

159

Succeeding his elder brother, Baelor I takes the Iron Throne. His lasting legacy would be his extreme piety, simultaneously ruling as King and septon. He walked the Boneway barefoot, clad in sackcloth, brokering a peace with Dorne. Many miracles were attributed to him and he is known for constructing the Great Sept of Baelor atop Visenya's Hill in King's Landing. It is said he fasted himself to death. During his reign, his uncle Viserys, son of Rhaenyra, ruled the country effectively as Hand.

Viserys II is crowned

171

Citing the precedents of the Great Council of 101 AC and the Dance of the Dragons, the claim of Baelor's sisters, who had been locked away by Baelor, was dismissed and Viderys, son of Princess Rhaenyra and Prince Daemon became King. Viserys issued reforms of the royal household and its functions, established a new royal mint, made efforts to increase trade across the narrow sea, and made positive revisions to the already progressive code of laws. His reign lasted only a year.

Aegon the Unworthy is crowned

172

Considered one of the worst Targaryen Kings, Aegon IV the Unworthy. His rule was oppressive and negligent. His inflamed his passions more than serve the realm, siring many bastards. He was indifferent such as when he gave away the legendary sword of Aegon I 'Blackfyre' to his bastard Daemon. Upon his death he legitimised all his bastards, leading to years of conflict.

Daeron the Good is crowned

183

Eldest son of Aegon the Unworthy, Daeron II the Good succeeds his father. He successfully brings Dorne into the Seven Kingdoms via negotiation and marriage with House Martell, standing in the Great Sept, it was said "Baelor, your work is done.". On the other hand, Daeron's rule saw the First Blackfyre Rebellion from Daemon Blackfyre. The Rebellion was defeated and the bastard claimant killed.

First Blackfyre Rebellion

196

Daemon I Blackfyre, son of Aegon the Unworthy, pushes his claim to the Iron Throne with multiple lords backing him. Daemon marches his forces on King's Landing but is defeated in the Battle of the Redgrass Field. He is killed by his half-brother, Brynden Rivers, yet several of his sons escape to the Free Cities with Aegor Rivers.

Aerys I becomes King

209

Aerys I Targaryen was a distant, bookish king more focused on prophecy than ruling. His reign saw growing unrest and the Second Blackfyre Rebellion. Real power lay with his ruthless Hand, Brynden Rivers 'Bloodraven', who maintained order through fear. Aerys’s neglect weakened the realm and sowed seeds of future conflict.

Second Blackfyre Rebellion

211

Blackfyre loyalists attempt to launch a second rebellion during the wedding tourney at Whitewalls, but Bloodraven exposes the plan and the Pretender Daemon II Blackfyre. Many of the conspirators are executed before a battle needs to be fought.

Third Blackfyre Rebellion

219

Haegon I Blackfyre, Aegor Rivers, and the Golden Company invade Westeros. In the end, Haegon is killed after his surrender. Aegor is arrested, but allowed to go to the Wall by King Aerys I Targaryen. On his way there, Bittersteel's ship is intercepted, and he is freed by his own men. Before the year ends, Aegor crowns Haegon's son, Daemon, the new Blackfyre king.

Maekar I is crowned

221

Maekar I Targaryen's reign was brief but marked by firmness and a strong sense of duty. A stern and pragmatic ruler, he worked to restore stability after the weak reigns before him. Though not beloved, he was respected for his discipline and willingness to act decisively. His reign ended in battle during the Peake Uprising, where he died fighting rebellious lords. Maekar ruled with strength, but his uncompromising nature often led to conflict rather than peace.

Great Council of 233 AC

233

King Maekar leaves no suitable heirs, thus Brynden Rivers, the Hand of the King, calls for a Great Council, where the claims of Maekar's children and grandchildren are discussed. Aenys Blackfyre puts his name forward but is arrested and killed by Bloodraven. Prince Aegon is chosen, becoming Aegon the Unlikely, as he is the fourth son of a fourth son. Bloodraven is exiled to the Wall by King Aegon, and he becomes Lord Commander of the Night's Watch in 239 AC.

Aegon V is crowned

233

King Aegon V the Unlikely, succeeded his father, Maekar. He was a reform-minded and well-intentioned king who rose from humble beginnings. His reign focused on improving the lives of the smallfolk, curbing the power of the great lords, and pushing for social reforms. Though beloved by the common people, his efforts often met resistance from the nobility. His rule ended tragically at the mysterious Tragedy at Summerhall, where he died attempting to hatch dragon eggs.

Fourth Blackfyre Rebellion

236

Daemon III Blackfyre and the Golden Company invade Westeros. The rebellion is a short one, with Daemon III slain by Ser Duncan the Tall, of the Kingsguard. This year is also remembered as the Red Spring.

Jaehaerys II is crowned

259

Jaehaerys II Targaryen's reign was short and troubled. He ruled for only three years, during which he dealt with the aftermath of the War of the Ninepenny Kings, where the last Blackfyre pretender was killed. A sickly and cautious king, Jaehaerys II relied heavily on his counselors and made few lasting impacts.

Tragedy of Summerhall

259

King Aegon V and his eldest son, Prince Duncan the Small, are killed in a great fire at the Targaryen's summer palace, Summerhall. The fire is triggered by an unsuccessful attempt to hatch the last three dragon eggs left in the west. Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, son of Aerys II was born on the same day.

War of the Ninepenny Kings

260

War erupts when the Band of Nine, including Maelys Blackfyre, after having conquered the Free City of Tyrosh and the Stepstones, begin to move towards the Seven Kingdoms. King Jaehaerys II Targaryen calls his banners to bring the attack to the Stepstones. Ser Barristan Selmy kills Maelys. Ser Brynden Tully also distinguishes himself in the war.

Aerys II becomes King

261

Aerys II, called the Mad King, began his reign promisingly but slowly descended into insanity after multiple miscarriages, stillbirths and being held prisoner for half a year by Denys Darklyn, Lord of Duskendale. His madness led to Robert's Rebellion and the overthrowing of the Targaryen dynasty. He is killed by his Kingsguard Ser Jaime Lannister earning him the moniker 'Kingslayer'.

Reyne-Tarbeck rebellion

261

Houses Reyne and Tarbeck took advantage of Warden of the West Tytos Lannister's weak nature to increase their wealth, amassing large debts on Lannister gold but never repaying. After returning from the War of the Ninepenny Kings, Tytos' heir Tywin was disgusted at his fathers' weakness. Calling for repayment, the Reynes and Tarbecks refused, giving pretext for Tywin to raise banners against them, he led a swift and brutal campaign, ending the two houses, immortalised in 'The Rains of Castamere'.

Defiance of Duskendale

277

Lord Denys Darklyn refused to pay taxes to the Iron Throne. King Aerys II Targaryen, eager to sort out the situation himself, went to Duskendale, being taken prisoner. Duskendale is besieged for six months before Ser Barristan Selmy manages to free the king. Houses Darklyn and Hollard are destroyed and House Rykker takes over the town. It is said that it was the Defiance which begins Aerys's descent into madness, but Ser Barristan believes it was only the final straw.

Year of the False Spring

281

A marked increase in warmth causes everyone to believe winter is over, however, this was not the case. Lord Walter Whent holds a great tourney at Harrenhal. Prince Rhaegar distinguishes himself in the lists, but he names Lyanna Stark of Winterfell, who is betrothed to Lord Robert Baratheon, as the queen of love and beauty rather than his own wife, Elia, causing controversy.

Robert's Rebellion

Period: 282 to 283

After Prince Rhaegar supposedly kidnaps and rapes Lyanna Stark, and the Mad King executes Brandon and Lord Rickard Stark using Wildfire, the North, the Vale and the Stormlands rebel. The outcome of the war was determined at the Battle of the Trident where Robert Baratheon killed Rhaegar. The war ends with Lord Tywin Lannister betraying Aerys by sacking King's Landing and his son Ser Jaime, stabbing the Mad King in the back. Robert usurps the Iron Throne, ending Targaryen rule.

Robert I Baratheon becomes King

283

After rebelling against the Mad King Aerys II Targaryen, Lord Robert Baratheon of Storm's End assumes the Iron Throne. Dragonstone and Storm's End are given to his younger brothers Stannis and Renly. Despite taking the throne, Robert has no taste for it, grieving everyday the loss of Lyanna Stark, his betrothed.

Joffrey I becomes King

298

King Robert dies from a hunting accident. After a failed coup by Lord Eddard 'Ned' Stark, Hand of the King, to pass the throne to Stannis Baratheon, Joffrey becomes King. He is supposedly of the House Baratheon, but claims from Eddard Stark profess he is the bastard child of the incestuous relationship between twins Queen Cersei Lannister and Ser Jaime Lannister. Joffrey is sadistic and twisted with his reign beginning by beheading Eddard Stark in front of his daughter, Sansa, his betrothed.

War of the Five Kings

Period: 298 to 300

After Joffrey kills Lord Eddard Stark, holds his daughter hostage, and news of his illegitimacy spreads. Civil war breaks out. Robb Stark, Ned's son, goes to war to secede, proclaimed King in the North. Stannis and Renly Baratheon push their claims to the Iron Throne. Balon Greyjoy wages war in an attempt to secede the Iron Islands from the Seven Kingdoms.