Game of Thrones adapts a fictional medieval world where centuries of recorded history shape the present story. The timeline of events is not tied to real-world dates but follows an internal chronology established by George R. R. Martin.
Viewers often ask what time period the storyline mirrors and how years are counted in Westeros. Understanding the era helps explain technology, politics, and social structure across the series.
| Realm | Approximate Era | Key Historical Marker | Story Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westeros | ~298 AL | Season 1 begins | Current political conflicts unfold |
| Westeros | ~283 AL | Robert's Rebellion ends | Foundation of present royal houses |
| Westeros | ~1700 AL | The Targaryen conquest | Unification under a single crown |
| Westeros | ~12,000 AL | The Long Night | Legendary winter that shaped magic and fear |
Historical Timeline of Westeros
The Long Night and Ancient Magic
Thousands of years before the events of the show, an endless winter known as the Long Night covered Westeros and introduced the White Walkers. Survivors built the Wall to hold the darkness back, embedding ancient magic into the landscape and institutions of the North.
Targaryen Conquest and Rule
About seventeen centuries before the series, Aegon the Conqueror united six of the Seven Kingdoms using dragons. This era established the Iron Throne, formalized noble houses, and created a political order that would define centuries of conflict, culminating in the fragile stability viewers see at the start of the show.
Years After Aegon's Landing (AL)
Robert's Rebellion and the Mad King
Two hundred and eighty-three years after Aegon landed, Robert Baratheon led a rebellion against Aerys II Targaryen, the Mad King. The war toppled the ruling dynasty, reshaped regional alliances, and set the marriage alliances and rivalries driving the political intrigue in Season 1.
The Early Months of 298 AL
When the story begins, the realm operates under the assumption that Robert Baratheon sits the throne, but underlying tensions between houses, the return of the Starks, and the reappearance of royal heirs place the timeline at a critical turning point. Events unfold in real time across the continents of Westeros and Essos.
Global Context and Comparative Eras
Essos and the Free Cities
While Westeros operates on its own calendar, the continent to the east moves through its own historical phases. The rise and fall of Valyria, the growth of Braavos as a financial power, and the instability in Slaver's Bay reveal a world that is both parallel and distinct from the events north of the Narrow Sea.
| Era | Years Before Present | Region | Major Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| AL 298 | Present story | Westeros | Season 1 begins, throne contested |
| AL 283 | 15 years earlier | Westeros | Robert's Rebellion concludes |
| AL 1700 | ~1400 years earlier | Westeros | Targaryen conquest unites the realm |
| Age of Heroes | ~12,000 years earlier | Westeros | The Long Night and construction of the Wall |
Key Takeaways and Viewer Guidance
- Events occur in a fictional timeline measured as years after Aegon's Landing (AL).
- The story begins around 298 AL, with flashbacks to much older events like the Long Night.
- Major wars, such as Robert's Rebellion, sit just fifteen years before Season 1.
- Political decisions in the present are shaped by centuries of history and conquest.
- Both Westeros and Essos follow interconnected timelines that converge at key moments.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does Game of Thrones follow real-world history?
No, the timeline is fictional, though it draws inspiration from medieval European history, such as the War of the Roses and feudal structures.
How many years before the present does the story begin?
The main events begin roughly 298 years after Aegon's Landing, marking the present point of political crisis in Westeros.
What is the significance of the year 1700 AL?
The year 1700 AL marks the Targaryen conquest, which established the centralized rule that the Stark, Lannister, and other families later contest.
Are the events on Essos tied to the same timeline?
Yes, the timelines intersect, especially with Daenerys's journey and the crossing of characters between continents, synchronizing major plot points.