Before the Seven Kingdoms were one, they were a fractured land of rival lords, ancient houses, and endless war. Then came Aegon Targaryen—riding his dragon, wielding Valyrian steel, and burning a path toward unification. His campaign changed the fate of Westeros forever. To understand the origins of the Iron Throne and the foundation of Targaryen rule, we must first explore the bold and brutal campaign that forged an empire. In this article, Aegon’s Conquest explained, we break down how one man’s ambition and firepower reshaped a continent and gave birth to a dynasty that would rule for centuries.
Who Was Aegon Targaryen?
Aegon Targaryen, known as Aegon the Conqueror, was the first king of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, born to House Targaryen. His rise to power marked the beginning of the Targaryen dynasty’s rule over Westeros. But who was he, and what made him such a remarkable figure in history?
Aegon’s Origins
Aegon was born on Dragonstone, the island fortress of House Targaryen, to King Aegon I Targaryen and Queen Rhaenys Targaryen. He belonged to a family with a rare and powerful lineage: dragonlords, whose ability to tame dragons made them the most formidable house in Westeros.
Aegon’s Vision for the Realm
Aegon wasn’t content with ruling just Dragonstone—he dreamed of uniting all of Westeros under one crown. His goal was to bring stability to a fractured continent, where seven independent kingdoms were constantly at war. His vision was clear: a unified Westeros under his rule, with a powerful and centralized monarchy.
The Dragonlord
Aegon was not only a visionary but a fierce warrior. He was one of the few in history to ride three dragons—Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes—each larger and more dangerous than the next. These dragons played a crucial role in his conquest, allowing him to defeat powerful armies and lay the foundation for his reign.
Aegon’s strength, both as a leader and a military strategist, set him apart. His reign would shape the course of history in Westeros, and his legacy would influence the politics and power struggles seen in Game of Thrones centuries later.
The Prelude to Aegon’s Conquest
Before Aegon Targaryen set his sights on uniting Westeros, the Seven Kingdoms were a fragmented, war-torn region. Each kingdom was ruled by its own king, often locked in constant conflict. The realm was divided and unstable—perfect for a conqueror with the right power.
The Seven Kingdoms Before Aegon
The Seven Kingdoms consisted of distinct regions, each with its own ruler:
- The Kingdom of the North (House Stark)
- The Kingdom of the Mountain and the Vale (House Arryn)
- The Riverlands (House Tully)
- The Iron Islands (House Greyjoy)
- The Stormlands (House Baratheon)
- Dorne (House Martell)
- The Reach (House Tyrell)
These kingdoms were not only separate in rule but often hostile, making alliances fleeting and betrayals common. The lack of unity created chaos that Aegon would later capitalize on.
Why Aegon Sought to Conquer
Aegon’s motivation wasn’t just power—it was about creating a legacy and bringing order to the realm. While the Seven Kingdoms fought amongst themselves, Aegon saw an opportunity to unite them under one banner. He believed that only a single, strong ruler could prevent further destruction and bring lasting peace to Westeros.
The Role of the Targaryen Dragons
One of the key elements that set Aegon apart from other would-be conquerors was his dragons. Unlike any other house in Westeros, House Targaryen had the ability to tame and ride dragons, making them nearly unstoppable. With Balerion the Black Dread, Vhagar, and Meraxes at his side, Aegon had the military power to break through any resistance and set the stage for the conquest that would change Westeros forever.
In short, the stage was set: a fractured, unstable Westeros and a visionary conqueror with the strength of dragons at his back. Aegon’s quest to unite the Seven Kingdoms was no longer just an ambition—it was an inevitability.
The Conquest Begins: Key Battles and Strategies
Aegon’s Conquest began with precision, power, and fire. With his dragons and a small but loyal army, Aegon Targaryen launched a campaign that would shake the foundations of Westeros. Here are the key moments that defined his path to victory.
Landing at the Blackwater
Aegon landed at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush, where he built the Aegonfort—a wooden stronghold that would later become King’s Landing. From here, he declared himself King of Westeros and began his conquest.
Battle of the Field of Fire
One of the most important battles of Aegon’s Conquest. The combined forces of House Gardener of the Reach and House Lannister of the Westerlands faced Aegon’s army. Aegon unleashed all three dragons—Balerion, Vhagar, and Meraxes—burning thousands alive. This decisive victory crushed resistance in the south and ended House Gardener, with House Tyrell rising in their place.
Submission Through Fear and Strategy
Many houses chose surrender over destruction. House Arryn of the Vale bent the knee without battle after Visenya flew to the Eyrie with her dragon, showing their young lord the power they faced. House Tully allied with Aegon early, earning the title of Lord Paramount of the Trident.
The Iron Islands and Riverlands
Harrenhal, the massive stronghold of House Hoare, was reduced to ash by Balerion. King Harren the Black and his sons died in the flames, ending their line. This act struck fear into the rest of the realm. House Greyjoy later took control of the Iron Islands under Aegon’s rule.
Using the Dragons Wisely
Aegon didn’t use dragons recklessly. He paired their firepower with smart diplomacy and clear offers of peace for submission. His strategy was to avoid long wars and force quick decisions—bend the knee or burn.
In just two years, Aegon and his sisters brought six kingdoms under their rule. His mix of terrifying force and political skill made the conquest swift—and nearly unstoppable.
The Fall of the Independent Kingdoms
One by one, the once-independent kingdoms of Westeros fell before Aegon Targaryen’s dragons, strategy, and diplomacy. His conquest wasn’t just about battles—it was about breaking centuries-old power structures and reshaping the political map of Westeros.
The North Bends the Knee
After hearing of the destruction at Harrenhal and the Field of Fire, King Torrhen Stark—the King in the North—marched south. But faced with certain defeat, he chose peace. Torrhen bent the knee without a fight, earning the nickname “The King Who Knelt.” In return, Aegon named him Warden of the North, preserving Stark rule under the new realm.
The Vale Submits Without War
Visenya Targaryen flew her dragon Vhagar directly to the Eyrie. She met young Lord Ronnel Arryn, who asked for a dragon ride. In awe, his mother surrendered the Vale peacefully. This smart move avoided bloodshed and secured Aegon another kingdom without a single sword drawn.
The Reach and the West Crumble
The Reach and the Westerlands, once powerful and proud, collapsed after the Field of Fire. House Gardener was destroyed, and the Tyrells were installed as rulers of the Reach. House Lannister, seeing no chance against dragons, quickly submitted after their defeat.
The Iron Islands Fall
With King Harren the Black burned alive in Harrenhal, the Iron Islands lost their ruler. Aegon allowed the surviving Ironborn to choose a new leader—Vickon Greyjoy. This tactic helped pacify the islands while maintaining control.
The Stubborn Resistance of Dorne
Unlike the rest, Dorne resisted Aegon’s conquest. Despite attacks from Rhaenys and her dragon, the Dornish used guerrilla tactics and avoided open war. Aegon never conquered Dorne during his lifetime—it remained independent for over a century.
The New Order
With six of the Seven Kingdoms under his rule, Aegon crowned himself as the first King of the unified realm. He respected local lords who bent the knee and allowed them to keep power under his banner. It was a smart balance of fear and favor.
Conclusion of Conquest
The fall of the independent kingdoms wasn’t just military—it was psychological. Aegon used fire, diplomacy, and fear to end centuries of division and create the Iron Throne’s first legacy. His conquest forever changed the political landscape of Westeros.
The Aftermath of the Conquest: Consolidating Power
With most of Westeros under his control, Aegon Targaryen turned from conqueror to ruler. The war was over, but the real challenge began—consolidating power and uniting a fractured realm. This phase was key to making Aegon’s rule last.
The Creation of the Iron Throne
Aegon ordered the swords of his defeated enemies melted by Balerion’s fire to forge the Iron Throne—a harsh, twisted symbol of his authority. It represented both unity and fear. The throne stood in King’s Landing, the new capital built where Aegon first landed.
Respecting Local Power
Rather than wiping out noble houses, Aegon allowed many lords to keep their lands and titles—if they bent the knee. This kept order and reduced rebellion. Houses like Stark, Lannister, and Arryn became Wardens, managing their regions under Aegon’s rule.
Centralized Rule with Dragon Strength
Aegon created a centralized monarchy but ruled lightly. He used his dragons as a deterrent, not constant enforcers. This gave him control without constant war. The fear of dragonfire kept ambitious lords in line.
The Role of His Sisters
Aegon’s sisters played key roles in governance. Visenya enforced military discipline and guarded the realm with her dragon. Rhaenys focused on diplomacy and public goodwill. Together, they formed a strong, balanced royal rule.
Dealing with Rebellion
Minor rebellions flared up, but Aegon crushed them quickly and harshly. Each defeat strengthened the message: resistance was futile.
Establishing a New Dynasty
Aegon’s rule set the foundation for the Targaryen dynasty. His sons would inherit a realm already reshaped by fire and blood. The new political order—centered on the Iron Throne—would dominate Westeros for nearly 300 years.
In short, Aegon didn’t just win battles—he built a system. By blending strength with smart leadership, he turned conquest into lasting rule. This is what truly made Aegon’s Conquest a success.
The Legacy of Aegon’s Conquest in Game of Thrones
The impact of Aegon’s Conquest echoes throughout the Game of Thrones series. His actions shaped the politics, conflicts, and very identity of Westeros. Understanding this legacy helps fans make deeper sense of the show’s power struggles.
The Iron Throne as a Symbol
Aegon’s Iron Throne is more than just a seat—it’s the ultimate symbol of power. Every ruler after him fought to claim or protect it. From Robert Baratheon to Cersei Lannister, the throne remained the central prize of the realm.
House Targaryen’s Rise and Fall
Aegon’s conquest began a dynasty that ruled for nearly 300 years. But his legacy also sowed the seeds of downfall. The belief that Targaryens had a divine right to rule led to arrogance, madness, and rebellion—most notably, Robert’s Rebellion.
Daenerys Targaryen’s Quest
Daenerys, a direct descendant of Aegon, often refers to his conquest. She sees herself as the rightful heir to his dream of a united Westeros. Her journey to reclaim the Iron Throne mirrors Aegon’s, especially her use of dragons to gain power.
Jon Snow’s True Identity
The reveal that Jon Snow is Aegon Targaryen—a legitimate heir—ties directly back to Aegon the Conqueror’s legacy. It reignites questions of rightful rule, bloodlines, and who truly deserves the throne.
The Unification of the Realm
Aegon’s dream of unity lived on, even after the Targaryens fell. Every great war in Game of Thrones centers on whether the Seven Kingdoms should be united or ruled separately—a debate Aegon settled with fire, but which remained unresolved for generations.
Conclusion
Aegon’s Conquest explained not only how Westeros was united under one ruler—it reveals the foundation of everything that follows in both the books and the Game of Thrones series. Through fire, strategy, and vision, Aegon reshaped the continent forever.
His legacy lives on in the Iron Throne, the rise and fall of House Targaryen, and the constant struggle for power that defines Westeros. Whether through Daenerys’s quest or Jon Snow’s hidden heritage, the impact of his conquest remains deeply felt.
By understanding Aegon’s Conquest, fans can better grasp the roots of the story they love and the forces that still drive the game of thrones today.