Table of Contents

A Comprehensive Timeline of Targaryen Kings: From Aegon the Conqueror to Aerys the Mad King

The Targaryen dynasty, a name synonymous with dragons, silver hair, and a complicated history, ruled Westeros for nearly 300 years. Their reign, marked by both prosperity and madness, is a cornerstone of George R.R. Martin’s fictional world. This article provides a detailed timeline of Targaryen kings, tracing their lineage from Aegon the Conqueror to the fall of Aerys II Targaryen, the Mad King. Understanding the timeline of Targaryen kings is crucial for grasping the political landscape of Westeros and the events that led to the War of the Five Kings.

Aegon I Targaryen, the Conqueror (1-37 AC)

Aegon Targaryen, along with his sisters Visenya and Rhaenys, landed on the shores of Westeros with a dragon-sized ambition: to unite the Seven Kingdoms. Riding the dragon Balerion the Black Dread, Aegon conquered six of the seven kingdoms, only Dorne managing to resist. He established King’s Landing as the capital and forged the Iron Throne from the swords of his defeated enemies. Aegon’s reign set the stage for the Targaryen dynasty and established the precedent for dragon-riding monarchs. The timeline of Targaryen kings begins with his ascent.

Key Events: Conquest of Westeros, construction of the Iron Throne, founding of King’s Landing.
Legacy: Unified six of the seven kingdoms, established Targaryen rule.

Aenys I Targaryen (37-42 AC)

Aegon’s eldest son, Aenys, inherited the throne but lacked his father’s strength and charisma. His reign was plagued by rebellions, particularly the Faith Militant uprising, which challenged the Targaryen practice of incest. Aenys struggled to maintain control, and his indecisiveness further fueled the unrest. This period in the timeline of Targaryen kings highlights the challenges of maintaining power.

Key Events: Faith Militant uprising.
Legacy: A weak ruler whose reign was marked by instability.

Maegor I Targaryen, the Cruel (42-48 AC)

Aenys’s half-brother, Maegor, seized the throne in a coup and ruled with an iron fist. Known as Maegor the Cruel, he brutally suppressed the Faith Militant and solidified Targaryen power through fear and violence. His reign was marked by tyranny and bloodshed, making him one of the most reviled Targaryen kings. The timeline of Targaryen kings includes a dark chapter under his rule.

Key Events: Suppression of the Faith Militant, construction of the Red Keep.
Legacy: A cruel and tyrannical ruler remembered for his brutality.

Jaehaerys I Targaryen, the Conciliator (48-103 AC)

Jaehaerys, also known as the Old King and the Conciliator, ascended the throne after Maegor’s mysterious death. He was one of the most beloved and successful Targaryen kings, ruling for over 50 years. Jaehaerys restored peace and prosperity to the realm, reformed the laws, and reconciled with the Faith. His reign is considered a golden age for the Targaryen dynasty. His long reign significantly shaped the timeline of Targaryen kings.

Key Events: Reconciliation with the Faith, codification of laws.
Legacy: A wise and just ruler who brought peace and prosperity to the realm.

Viserys I Targaryen (103-129 AC)

Jaehaerys’s grandson, Viserys, inherited a peaceful and prosperous kingdom. However, his reign was overshadowed by the succession crisis known as the Dance of the Dragons. Viserys named his daughter Rhaenyra as his heir, defying the traditional male preference. This decision sowed the seeds of a devastating civil war. The timeline of Targaryen kings takes a dramatic turn with Viserys’s reign.

Key Events: Naming Rhaenyra as heir, brewing succession crisis.
Legacy: A well-meaning but ultimately weak ruler whose decisions led to civil war.

Aegon II Targaryen (129-131 AC)

Aegon II, Viserys’s eldest son, challenged Rhaenyra’s claim to the throne, igniting the Dance of the Dragons. The civil war pitted Targaryen against Targaryen, resulting in widespread destruction and the near extinction of dragons. Aegon II eventually triumphed, but his victory came at a great cost. The Dance of Dragons is a pivotal event in the timeline of Targaryen kings.

Key Events: The Dance of the Dragons, victory over Rhaenyra.
Legacy: A controversial ruler whose reign was defined by civil war.

Aegon III Targaryen (131-157 AC)

Aegon III, Rhaenyra’s son, inherited a shattered kingdom after the Dance of the Dragons. Known as Aegon the Younger, he was a somber and withdrawn king, haunted by the horrors of the war. His reign focused on rebuilding the realm and restoring stability. The timeline of Targaryen kings sees a period of recovery under his rule.

Key Events: Reconstruction after the Dance of the Dragons.
Legacy: A somber ruler who focused on rebuilding after the devastating civil war.

Daeron I Targaryen, the Young Dragon (157-161 AC)

Daeron I, known as the Young Dragon, was a young and ambitious king who sought to conquer Dorne. He achieved initial success but ultimately failed to subdue the Dornish, leading to his death in battle. His reign was short and marked by warfare. This short period is a notable event in the timeline of Targaryen kings.

Key Events: Attempted conquest of Dorne.
Legacy: A young and ambitious king who died in battle.

Baelor I Targaryen, the Blessed (161-171 AC)

Baelor I, known as Baelor the Blessed, was a deeply religious king who devoted his life to piety and faith. He attempted to reconcile with Dorne and even walked barefoot to Sunspear as a sign of peace. His religious fervor often clashed with the practical needs of the realm. Baelor’s reign adds a unique chapter to the timeline of Targaryen kings.

Key Events: Reconciliation with Dorne, religious reforms.
Legacy: A pious and eccentric ruler remembered for his devotion to faith.

Viserys II Targaryen (171-172 AC)

Viserys II, a younger brother of Aegon III, ruled for only a year but was known for his intelligence and administrative skills. He reversed many of Baelor’s policies and laid the groundwork for a more stable reign. Despite his short tenure, Viserys II had a significant impact. His brief rule is still significant in the timeline of Targaryen kings.

Key Events: Reversal of Baelor’s policies.
Legacy: An intelligent and capable ruler who laid the groundwork for future stability.

Aegon IV Targaryen, the Unworthy (172-184 AC)

Aegon IV, known as Aegon the Unworthy, was one of the most corrupt and decadent Targaryen kings. He was notorious for his mistresses, illegitimate children (the Great Bastards), and reckless spending. His reign weakened the Targaryen dynasty and sowed the seeds of future conflicts, especially the Blackfyre Rebellions. The timeline of Targaryen kings suffers a significant setback under his rule.

Key Events: Siring the Great Bastards, weakening the Targaryen dynasty.
Legacy: A corrupt and decadent ruler who undermined the Targaryen dynasty.

Daeron II Targaryen (184-209 AC)

Daeron II, the son of Aegon IV, faced challenges to his legitimacy due to rumors that he was not Aegon’s trueborn son. His reign was marked by the Blackfyre Rebellions, a series of conflicts fought over the Targaryen throne. Daeron II managed to suppress the rebellions but at a great cost. The Blackfyre Rebellions are a key event in the timeline of Targaryen kings.

Key Events: The Blackfyre Rebellions.
Legacy: A controversial ruler who faced challenges to his legitimacy and suppressed the Blackfyre Rebellions.

Aerys I Targaryen (209-221 AC)

Aerys I, Daeron’s son, was more interested in books and scholarship than ruling. He delegated much of the power to his Hand, Bloodraven, who was a skilled but ruthless administrator. Aerys I’s reign was relatively uneventful but marked by the increasing influence of Bloodraven. This period is a quieter chapter in the timeline of Targaryen kings.

Key Events: Increased influence of Bloodraven.
Legacy: A scholarly ruler who delegated power to his Hand.

Maekar I Targaryen (221-233 AC)

Maekar I, a younger brother of Aerys I, was a capable warrior and a more assertive ruler. His reign was marked by rebellions and conflicts, which he suppressed with force. Maekar died in battle, leaving the succession uncertain. Maekar’s reign adds a period of conflict to the timeline of Targaryen kings.

Key Events: Suppression of rebellions, death in battle.
Legacy: A capable warrior who died in battle.

Aegon V Targaryen, the Unlikely (233-259 AC)

Aegon V, known as Aegon the Unlikely, was the fourth son of Maekar I and ascended the throne after a Great Council. He was a popular king who championed the common people and sought to improve their lives. However, his attempts to reform the feudal system met with resistance from the nobility. Aegon V’s reign is a period of attempted reform in the timeline of Targaryen kings.

Key Events: Attempts to reform the feudal system, the Tragedy at Summerhall.
Legacy: A popular king who championed the common people but faced resistance from the nobility.

Jaehaerys II Targaryen (259-262 AC)

Jaehaerys II, Aegon V’s son, ruled for only three years. His reign was primarily focused on dealing with the War of the Ninepenny Kings. He proved to be a capable ruler, but his reign was cut short by illness. This brief period is a minor event in the overall timeline of Targaryen kings.

Key Events: The War of the Ninepenny Kings.
Legacy: A capable ruler whose reign was cut short by illness.

Aerys II Targaryen, the Mad King (262-283 AC)

Aerys II, known as the Mad King, began his reign with promise but gradually descended into madness. His paranoia and cruelty alienated his advisors and subjects, leading to the rebellion led by Robert Baratheon. Aerys’s reign culminated in the Sack of King’s Landing and his death at the hands of Jaime Lannister, marking the end of Targaryen rule. The timeline of Targaryen kings ends with his tragic downfall.

Key Events: Descent into madness, the Rebellion of Robert Baratheon, the Sack of King’s Landing.
Legacy: A mad and tyrannical ruler whose actions led to the downfall of the Targaryen dynasty.

This detailed timeline of Targaryen kings provides a comprehensive overview of their reign, from the conquest of Westeros to the fall of the Mad King. Each king left their mark on the realm, shaping its history and influencing the events that followed. Understanding this timeline of Targaryen kings is essential for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the rich and complex world of Westeros. The rise and fall of the Targaryen dynasty is a central theme in the history of Westeros, and this timeline of Targaryen kings helps to illuminate the key events and figures that shaped their reign. The timeline of Targaryen kings showcases the complexities of power, legacy, and the often-thin line between greatness and madness. The legacy of the timeline of Targaryen kings continues to resonate within the events of the current narratives.

[See also: House Targaryen History]
[See also: The Dance of the Dragons: A Targaryen Civil War]
[See also: The Reign of Aegon the Conqueror]