What Was Westeros Like Before Aegon?

The History of Westeros

Before Aegon's Conquest in 1 AC, Westeros was a continent divided into seven kingdoms, each with their own rulers and customs. The kingdoms were the North, the Iron Islands, the Riverlands, the Vale of Arryn, the Westerlands, the Reach, and Dorne. The kings and queens of these kingdoms were constantly warring with each other, vying for power and control over the land.

It was a time of great instability and conflict. The First Men had originally settled in Westeros and were later joined by the Andals, who brought with them the Faith of the Seven. The Children of the Forest also inhabited the land, and there were reports of giants and other magical creatures.

Who Were the Major Players in Westeros Before Aegon?

The major players in Westeros before Aegon were the kings and queens of the seven kingdoms. They included the Stark family in the North, the Greyjoys on the Iron Islands, the Tullys in the Riverlands, the Arryns in the Vale, the Lannisters in the Westerlands, the Tyrells in the Reach, and the Martells in Dorne.

There were also other powerful families and houses that played important roles in the politics and power struggles of the time. These included the Baratheons, the Freys, and the Boltons, among others.

What Were the Major Conflicts in Westeros Before Aegon?

The major conflicts in Westeros before Aegon were the wars and battles between the various kingdoms. The North and the Iron Islands were often at odds, as were the Riverlands and the Vale. The Westerlands and the Reach also had their share of disputes, as did Dorne and the other kingdoms.

There were also conflicts between the ruling families within each kingdom, as they vied for power and control over their territories. This often led to treachery, betrayal, and assassination attempts.

What Was Life Like for the Common People?

Life for the common people in Westeros was hard. They were often caught in the middle of the conflicts between the ruling families and suffered greatly as a result. Many were forced to fight in the wars or work as laborers for their lords and masters.

There were also threats from wildlings, raiders, and other dangers that lurked beyond the borders of the kingdoms. The common people had to rely on their lords and rulers for protection, but this was not always forthcoming.

What Were Some of the Customs and Traditions in Westeros Before Aegon?

Each of the seven kingdoms had their own customs and traditions. The North, for example, followed the Old Gods and practiced blood sacrifices. The Iron Islands were known for their seafaring ways and their worship of the Drowned God.

The Riverlands were known for their fishing and their production of salt, while the Vale was famous for its knights and their chivalry. The Westerlands were rich in gold and silver, and the Lannisters were known for their wealth and power.

The Reach was renowned for its agriculture and the Tyrell family's mastery of it, while Dorne had a fierce and independent culture that was unlike any of the other kingdoms.

What Was the State of Magic in Westeros Before Aegon?

Magic was still present in Westeros before Aegon's Conquest. The Children of the Forest had magical abilities, as did some of the other creatures that lived in the land. There were also reports of sorcerers and witches who could perform spells and curses.

However, the use of magic was not as prevalent as it would later become after the arrival of dragons and the rise of the Targaryen dynasty.

What Changes Did Aegon's Conquest Bring to Westeros?

Aegon's Conquest changed Westeros in many ways. It brought an end to the constant wars and conflicts between the kingdoms, as Aegon united them all under his rule. It also introduced the concept of a centralized government and a single ruler, which had not existed before.

The Targaryens also brought dragons to Westeros, which gave them a significant advantage in battle and made them feared and respected by all. They also introduced a new religion, the Faith of the Seven, which supplanted the Old Gods and other religions that had been practiced previously.

Conclusion

Before Aegon's Conquest, Westeros was a continent divided and at war. The rulers of the seven kingdoms fought with each other constantly, and the common people suffered. However, it was also a time of magic and mystery, with the Children of the Forest and other creatures still inhabiting the land.

Aegon's Conquest changed all of that, bringing stability and order to Westeros and introducing a new dynasty that would rule for centuries to come. The legacy of those early years can still be seen in the customs, traditions, and conflicts that continue to shape the land of Westeros today.