Aegon the Conqueror's Campaign: The Time It Took to Unite Westeros

During the Age of Heroes, the Targaryens embarked on an ambitious campaign to unite the Seven Kingdoms under their banner. Aegon the Conqueror, along with his sisters Rhaenys and Visenya, launched their invasion over 2,000 years before the events of our timeline. This article delves into the duration of their conquest and the factors that led to their success.

The Start of the Conquest (2 BC - 1 BC)

The campaign to conquer Westeros began in 2 BC, an era shrouded in mystery and the use of dragons. Aegon and his sisters, with their formidable dragons, initially set their sights on the six kingdoms that had existed since the Andal Invasion. The Targaryens appeared in force, leading a campaign that culminated in the unification of these six realms under a single rule by the end of 1 BC.

Conquest Timeline (2 BC - 1 BC)

The conquest of Westeros began in 2 BC and ended swiftly, with the unification of six societies within two years. The timeline of Aegon's conquest is as follows:

2 BC: The Targaryens cross the Narrow Sea and arrive in Westeros, setting up their preparatory efforts. 3 BC - 1 BC: Aegon and his dragons (Draco and Balerion) lead their armies against the major cities of the Iron Islands, the North, the Riverlands, the Westerlands, the Vale, and the Crownlands, sequentially subduing these regions.

Despite achieving a swift victory, the Targaryens faced their first significant setback, as Dorne refused to yield. Negotiations were fruitless, and a ten-year-long Dornish war ensued, which ultimately resulted in a stalemate. Dorne remained independent, contributing to the inconclusive nature of Aegon's claim to the Iron Throne.

Details of the Dornish Campaign (4 AC - 13 AC)

The aftermath of Aegon's invasion saw a prolonged period of conflict in Dorne. While the world celebrated the unification of the majority of Westeros, Dorne continued to resist Targaryen rule. Key events during this period include:

The First Dornish War (4 AC - 10 AC): Aegon launched his first military campaign into Dorne but was met with fierce resistance. The Second Dornish War (11 AC - 13 AC): The Targaryens attempted a second invasion, but Dorne’s unique culture and terrain provided the perfect defense, leading to futile attempts at subjugation.

These wars, though unsuccessful, extended the conflict from 4 AC to 13 AC, and while they were fought intermittently, Dorne’s refusal to submit was a long-standing challenge that lasted well beyond Aegon’s initial conquest.

Conclusion: Aegon's Legacy

In conclusion, Aegon the Conqueror’s campaign to unify Westeros began in 2 BC and ended in 1 BC with the conquest of six of the seven kingdoms. Although Aegon could not conquer Dorne, his campaign laid the foundation for the Targaryen rule over Westeros. Despite the initial success, the Targaryens faced constant resistance from Dorne, a testament to the disparate nature of Westeros and the unique challenges of uniting the realm.

References:

A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R. Martin Aegon I Targaryen from Game of Thrones wiki Dorne in the Game of Thrones universe

For more information on the complex history of Westeros, be sure to visit A Song of Ice and Fire wiki.