The Targaryen kings timeline stretches across fourteen sovereigns who shaped the destiny of Westeros from Dragonstone to King's Landing. This chronicle of fire, blood, and law defined the realm for three centuries before the last dragon died.
Below is a structured overview of the major Targaryen rulers, their reign dates, key accomplishments, and pivotal succession events that anchor the family's legacy in the world of fantasy.
| King | Reign Years | Notable Achievements | Succession Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aegon I Targaryen | 1–37 AC | Conquest begun, crowned in Oldtown, forged the Iron Throne | Passed the throne to son Aenys I |
| Aenys I Targaryen | 37–42 AC | Faced Faith Militant uprising, struggled to hold realm together | Succeeded by son Maegor I |
| Maegor I Targaryen | 42–48 AC | Cruel suppression of rebellions, completed Dragonstone's throne | Died; succeeded by nephew Jaehaerys I |
| Jaehaerys I Targaryen | 48–103 AC | Long Peace, council governance, strengthened royal institutions | Succeeded by son Baelon I |
| Viserys I Targaryen | 103–130 AC | Golden council years, named daughter Rhaenyra heir | Death sparked Dance of the Dragons |
| Aegon II Targaryen | 130–131 AC | Claimant during Dance of the Dragons, briefly restored order | Died suddenly, succeeded by brother Aegon III |
| Aegon III Targaryen | 131–157 AC | The Dragonbait, ended the Dance, restored stability | Succeeded by brother Daeron I |
| Daeron I Targaryen | 157–161 AC | Conquest of Dorne, costly expansion reversed after his death | Assassinated; succeeded by cousin Baelor I |
| Baelor I Targaryen | 161–171 AC | Renunciation of war, princely piety, walked the Boneway | Died without heir; succeeded by brother Viserys II |
| Viserys II Targaryen | 171–172 AC | Brief but stable rule, maintained council continuity | Succeeded by son Daeron II |
| Daeron II Targaryen | {td}172–184 ACScholarly king, fostered arts, lost Dorne in later rebellion | Succeeded by son Aerys I | |
| Aerys I Targaryen | 184–196 AC | Reign of paranoia, collapse of small council efficacy | Died childless; succeeded by brother Maekar I |
| Maekar I Targaryen | 196–221 AC | Suppressed major revolts, died in battle at Starpike | Succeeded by son Aegon V |
| Aegon V Targaryen | 221–259 AC | The Lord of the Harp, reforms and tragedy at Summerhall | Died in riot; succeeded by son Jaehaerys II |
| Jaehaerys II Targaryen | 259–262 AC | Brief reign, broke the siege of King's Landing, restored order | Died of illness; succeeded by son Aerys II |
| Aerys II Targaryen | 262–283 AC | Mad King, collapsed into tyranny, sparked Robert's Rebellion | Usurped and killed; dynasty ended on the throne |
Conquest and Foundation under Aegon I
Dragonfire and Coronation
Aegon I Targaryen rode from Dragonstone with his sisters and dragons, forging alliances in the riverlands and uniting southern kingdoms through decisive battles. His coronation in Oldtown established the new royal dynasty and laid down the first laws of inheritance, setting the stage for a centralized monarchy.
Founding of King's Landing
Aegon carved a new seat from a modest hill, naming it King's Landing and building the Red Keep as a symbol of enduring power. The construction of the Dragonpit followed, housing the last living dragons and cementing the Targaryens' unique status as dragonlords.
The Dance of Dragons and Dynastic Conflict
Viserys I and the Question of Succession
Viserys I broke precedent by naming his daughter Rhaenyra heir, a controversial move that divided noble houses. His decision planted the seeds of civil strife, culminating in the Dance of the Dragons, a brutal war of succession that shattered the kingdom's unity.
Aftermath and Consolidation under Aegon III
After the Dance, Aegon III inherited a wounded realm wary of dragons and unstable succession. His reign focused on restoring order, rebuilding trust in the crown, and stabilizing the small council after years of bloodshed.
Reform, Faith, and Diplomacy in the Middle Reign
Jaehaerys I and the Long Peace
Jaehaerys I ushered in an era of governance through council, prioritizing diplomacy over conquest. His reforms strengthened royal institutions, curtailed abuses by local lords, and maintained peace through measured justice and patient negotiation.
Baelor I and the Renunciation of War
Baelor I walked the Boneway barefoot, freed Dornish hostages, and sought peace through piety rather than force. His religious zeal reshaped Targaryen foreign policy, establishing a precedent for negotiation and restraint that influenced later monarchs.
The Targaryen Legacy and Modern Relevance
- The Targaryen kings timeline reveals cycles of reform, conflict, and collapse that echo through Westerosi history.
- Key innovations like centralized governance and dragon-based deterrence reshaped power structures across the realm.
- Succession crises, notably the Dance of the Dragons, highlight the dangers of unclear inheritance rules.
- Diplomatic achievements under rulers like Jaehaerys I show the value of council governance and measured foreign policy.
- The brutal end under Aerys II serves as a cautionary tale about tyranny and the fragility of absolute power.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who was the first Targaryen king of Westeros?
Aegon I Targaryen, crowned in 1 AC after forging the Iron Throne and conquering key regions of Westeros.
What caused the Dance of the Dragons?
The Dance of the Dragons was caused by Viserys I naming his daughter Rhaenyra heir, leading to rival claims between Rhaenyra and his son Aegon II.
Which Targaryen king completed the conquest of Dorne?
Daeron I Targaryen completed the conquest of Dorne, though it was lost again after his death. Aerys II Targaryen, the Mad King, was overthrown and killed during Robert's Rebellion, ending Targaryen rule on the Iron Throne.