From Conquest to Downfall: The Epic Timeline of House Targaryen
From Conquest to Downfall: The Epic Timeline of House Targaryen
The history of House Targaryen is a saga of fire and blood, spanning centuries and shaping the very fabric of Westeros. From their humble beginnings as dragon lords in Old Valyria to their reign as kings of the Seven Kingdoms, the Targaryen dynasty has left an indelible mark on the world of ice and fire. Join us as we explore the key events that defined this legendary house.
The Early Days: Valyria and Dragonstone
- 114 BC: Aenar Targaryen, heeding his daughter Daenys' prophetic dreams, moves his family and five dragons to Dragonstone, escaping the Doom of Valyria.
- 102 BC: The Doom of Valyria occurs, destroying the Freehold and most of its dragon-riding families. House Targaryen becomes one of the last surviving Valyrian noble houses.
Fun Fact: The Targaryens were not considered one of the most powerful houses in Valyria, but their decision to leave before the Doom proved to be their salvation.
Aegon's Conquest and the Founding of a Dynasty
- 2 BC - 1 AC: Aegon Targaryen, along with his sister-wives Visenya and Rhaenys, begins the conquest of Westeros with their dragons Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes.
- 1 AC: Aegon is crowned as Aegon I Targaryen, the first King of the Seven Kingdoms, establishing the Targaryen dynasty.
Dive deeper into the details of how Aegon and his dragons reshaped Westeros.
The Reign of the Dragons
- 37 AC: Death of Aegon I, succeeded by his son Aenys I.
- 42 AC: Maegor I "the Cruel" usurps the throne from his nephew, beginning a reign of terror.
- 48 AC: Jaehaerys I "the Conciliator" takes the throne, ushering in an era of peace and prosperity.
- 103 AC: Death of Jaehaerys I, succeeded by Viserys I.
The Dance of the Dragons and Its Aftermath
- 129-131 AC: The Dance of the Dragons, a devastating civil war between Aegon II and Rhaenyra Targaryen, nearly destroys the dynasty.
- 131 AC: Aegon III "the Dragonbane" ascends to the throne, marking the beginning of Targaryen rule without living dragons.
The Dance of the Dragons led to the death of most of the Targaryen dragons, significantly weakening the family's power.
Trials and Tribulations
- 157-161 AC: Daeron I "the Young Dragon" attempts to conquer Dorne, ultimately failing.
- 171-172 AC: Baelor I "the Blessed" rules as a pious king, focusing on religious matters.
- 172-184 AC: Viserys II and Aegon IV "the Unworthy" rule, with the latter's actions setting the stage for future conflicts.
The Blackfyre Rebellions
- 196 AC: The First Blackfyre Rebellion erupts, challenging Targaryen rule.
- 212-260 AC: Four more Blackfyre Rebellions occur, each threatening the stability of the realm.
The Last Dragons
- 259 AC: The Tragedy at Summerhall occurs, killing many Targaryens and ending attempts to hatch dragon eggs.
- 262-283 AC: Aerys II "the Mad King" rules, his descending sanity leading to rebellion.
Robert's Rebellion and the Fall of House Targaryen
- 282-283 AC: Robert's Rebellion overthrows the Targaryen dynasty.
- 283 AC: Daenerys Targaryen is born on Dragonstone as the "Stormborn," while her brother Viserys escapes to Essos with her.
The Return of Dragons
- 298-300 AC: Daenerys Targaryen hatches three dragon eggs, beginning her journey to reclaim the Iron Throne.
- 305 AC: Daenerys briefly takes King's Landing before being killed by Jon Snow, who is revealed to be Aegon Targaryen, the true heir to the Iron Throne.
The Targaryen dynasty's rule over Westeros may have ended, but their impact on the world of ice and fire continues to resonate. From the Conquest to the Dance of Dragons, from the Blackfyre Rebellions to Robert's Rebellion, the history of House Targaryen is a testament to the power of ambition, the weight of legacy, and the double-edged sword of dragon fire.
As we look back on the Targaryen timeline, we're reminded of the words of George R.R. Martin: "A Targaryen alone in the world is a terrible thing." The rise and fall of this extraordinary house shaped the destiny of an entire continent, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Westeros.
What's your favorite moment in Targaryen history? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Sources:
- Martin, George R.R. "Fire & Blood." Bantam Books, 2018.
- Martin, George R.R., Elio M. García Jr., and Linda Antonsson. "The World of Ice & Fire." Bantam Books, 2014.
- "House Targaryen." A Wiki of Ice and Fire, accessed July 10, 2024.
- Fear, David. "The Entire House Targaryen Timeline Explained." Looper, August 7, 2020.
- "The Targaryen Dynasty: A Chronological History." Westeros.org, accessed July 10, 2024.