Who Reigned Before Aegon the Conqueror- The Mystery of the Last King Defeated by the Dragon-King
Who was king before Aegon the Conqueror? This question often piques the interest of those delving into the rich tapestry of George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” series. Aegon the Conqueror, the first Targaryen king of Westeros, marks a pivotal moment in the history of the Seven Kingdoms. Understanding the reign of the king who preceded him is crucial to grasping the context and significance of Aegon’s rise to power.
In the realm of Westeros, the reign of King Aerys II Targaryen, commonly known as Aerys the Mad, is often cited as the immediate predecessor to Aegon’s rule. Aerys’s reign was marked by tyranny, violence, and the destruction of the Great Council. His madness led to the catastrophic events of the War of the Five Kings, which laid the groundwork for Aegon’s eventual conquest of the Seven Kingdoms.
Before Aerys, the Targaryen throne was occupied by his father, King Jaehaerys II Targaryen, also known as Jaehaerys the Conciliator. King Jaehaerys’s reign was characterized by peace, prosperity, and a strong emphasis on diplomacy. He was instrumental in restoring the Great Council and fostering a period of relative stability in Westeros.
King Jaehaerys’s legacy was one of harmony and cooperation among the Great Houses, which was a stark contrast to the tumultuous times that followed. His reign was also marked by his efforts to unite the realms, which set the stage for Aegon’s later conquest.
In conclusion, the king who preceded Aegon the Conqueror was King Jaehaerys II Targaryen, a ruler known for his diplomacy and efforts to unite the realms. His reign laid the foundation for the Targaryen dynasty’s eventual rise to power, setting the stage for the dramatic events that would unfold in the “A Song of Ice and Fire” series.