Westeros Map Before Aegon

The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros

Westeros, a continent in the fictional world of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, is known for its diverse landscapes, unique cultures, and intricate politics. Before Aegon the Conqueror arrived in 1 AC, the Seven Kingdoms were ruled by various independent houses. Each kingdom had its own history, customs, and alliances, making Westeros a complex and fascinating place to explore.

What were the Seven Kingdoms?

The Seven Kingdoms were the regions of Westeros that were ruled by powerful houses before Aegon's invasion. These kingdoms were:

• The North, ruled by House Stark
• The Vale, ruled by House Arryn
• The Iron Islands, ruled by House Greyjoy
• The Riverlands, ruled by House Tully
• The Westerlands, ruled by House Lannister
• The Reach, ruled by House Tyrell
• Dorne, ruled by House Martell

What was the political landscape like?

The Seven Kingdoms were constantly at war with each other, vying for power and control. There were also various alliances and marriages between houses, which could shift the balance of power. For example, House Stark and House Tully were close allies, while House Lannister and House Tyrell were bitter rivals.

The North: Home of the Starks

The North is the largest and most sparsely populated of the Seven Kingdoms. It is ruled by House Stark, an ancient and noble house known for their honor and resilience. The North is known for its harsh winters, expansive forests, and rugged coastlines.

What was life like in the North?

Life in the North was tough but rewarding. Most of the people were farmers or hunters, relying on the land and sea for their livelihood. The Starks were seen as protectors of the North, and their word was law. The people of the North were fiercely loyal to House Stark and would defend their lands at all costs.

The Vale: Land of the Mountain Clans

The Vale is a mountainous region ruled by House Arryn. It is known for its stunning scenery, including the Eyrie, a castle perched atop a mountain peak. The Vale is also home to numerous mountain clans who are fiercely independent and often at odds with the ruling house.

What were the mountain clans?

The mountain clans were groups of people who lived in the mountains and valleys of the Vale. They were known for their fierce independence and resistance to the rule of House Arryn. The clans were often at war with each other and with the ruling house, making the Vale a dangerous place to travel.

The Iron Islands: Home of the Ironborn

The Iron Islands are a group of islands off the west coast of Westeros. They are ruled by House Greyjoy and are known for their seafaring culture and fierce raiders.

What was life like on the Iron Islands?

Life on the Iron Islands was centered around the sea. The Ironborn were expert sailors and fishermen, and their ships were feared throughout the Seven Kingdoms. The Ironborn also had a tradition of reaving, or raiding, the coasts of Westeros for loot and slaves.

The Riverlands: Crossroads of Westeros

The Riverlands are a fertile region in the center of Westeros, crossed by numerous rivers and ruled by House Tully. The Riverlands are strategically important, as they are the crossroads of Westeros and have been the site of many battles throughout history.

What was life like in the Riverlands?

Life in the Riverlands was centered around the rivers and the land. The people were farmers and fishermen, and the region was known for its bountiful harvests. The Riverlands were also home to numerous towns and castles, making it a bustling and important region in Westeros.

The Westerlands: Rich in Gold

The Westerlands are a region in the west of Westeros, ruled by House Lannister. The Westerlands are known for their abundant gold mines and wealth, making House Lannister one of the most powerful houses in Westeros.

What was life like in the Westerlands?

Life in the Westerlands was centered around wealth and power. The Lannisters were known for their opulent lifestyle and their control of the gold mines. The people of the Westerlands were often envious of the Lannisters' wealth, and there were many plots and schemes to try to gain access to the gold mines.

The Reach: Breadbasket of Westeros

The Reach is a fertile region in the south of Westeros, ruled by House Tyrell. The Reach is known for its abundant harvests and its status as the breadbasket of Westeros.

What was life like in the Reach?

Life in the Reach was centered around agriculture. The people were farmers and gardeners, and the region was known for its bountiful harvests. House Tyrell was one of the wealthiest and most powerful houses in Westeros, thanks to their control of the food supply.

Dorne: Land of the Martells

Dorne is a region in the south of Westeros, ruled by House Martell. Dorne is known for its dry deserts, spicy food, and unique customs.

What were the customs of Dorne?

Dorne had a unique culture compared to the rest of Westeros. The people of Dorne were more liberal than their northern counterparts, allowing women to inherit and granting more rights to bastards. Dorne was also known for its spicy food, which was influenced by its proximity to the southern continent of Essos.

Conclusion

Exploring the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros before Aegon's conquest is a fascinating journey. Each region has its own unique history, culture, and politics, making Westeros a complex and vibrant world. Whether you're interested in the fierce independence of the Ironborn or the opulent wealth of the Westerlands, there's something for everyone in this rich and diverse world.

What's your favorite region of Westeros?

Let us know in the comments below!