Aegon’s Unification of Westeros

This thread traces how Aegon I turns a small landing force into a single realm and establishes a new royal center.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Claim of One King

Aegon’s Claim A Realm Divided The kingdoms are divided by old rivalries, and Harren Hoare and Argilac Durrandon threaten the lands nearest Dragonstone. A Choice of Rule After rejecting Argilac’s proposal, Aegon announces that Westeros will have one king. The declaration makes conquest a public, irreversible undertaking.

The Blackwater Landing

Aegon’s Landing A Foothold Aegon and his sisters land beside the Blackwater Rush and raise a rough fort on the highest hill. Early Submission Nearby castles yield to the dragons, while victories over local forces secure the river mouth and provide the new regime with resources.

The Conquest of the Riverlands

Harrenhal Falls Rebellion Against Harren The riverlords turn against their ironborn rulers and rally to Aegon, led by Edmyn Tully. Fire Makes the Decision Aegon destroys Harren Hoare and his line from the sky. Edmyn Tully is rewarded with rule over the Trident, showing that submission can bring advancement as well as survival.

The Last Kings Submit

A Kingdom Consolidated Defeat and Choice The Field of Fire destroys House Gardener’s rule, while King Loren Lannister survives and submits. Aegon confirms his lands rather than replacing him. The King Who Kneels Torrhen Stark chooses submission rather than expose the North to dragonfire. His decision preserves his people and makes the northern realm part of the new order.

The Crown’s New Seat

Aegon’s Royal Center Coronation and Legitimacy The High Septon anoints Aegon at Oldtown, fixing the start of his reign in the kingdom’s official histories. King’s Landing Rather than rule from Oldtown or Dragonstone, Aegon chooses the settlement where the Conquest began. The Iron Throne and growing city embody the new political center.

2 BC, before the landing

2 BC, at the beginning of the Conquest

2 BC, during the central campaigns

1 BC, after the Field of Fire

1 AC, following the Oldtown coronation