History repeats itself, even in fantasy. George R. R. Martin drew many ideas from real events when he wrote House of the Dragon. From violent struggles for power to strange diseases, let’s look at the 9 dark history lessons behind the Targaryens and their world.
1. The Anarchy: A Fight for the Throne
The central issue in the show is Rhaenyra’s fight for her regal rights as a woman. This was inspired by Empress Matilda’s battle for the English throne in the 12th century. Matilda was the intended heir, but after the death of her father, her cousin took the throne. That led to a brutal civil war known as “The Anarchy.”
2. The Doom of Valyria & The Fall of Rome
The downfall of Valyria is comparable to the fall of the Roman Empire. They were both powerful civilizations that collapsed due to horrific events. Rome collapsed because of financial issues and invasions, whereas Valyria was ruined by a catastrophic fire.
3. Viserys’ Illness & Baldwin IV
King Viserys has a disease comparable to that of Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, who was king despite having leprosy. Baldwin’s illness affected his rule, just like Viserys’ illness caused chaos in Westeros. This goes to show how the king’s health can have a great impact on the fate of a kingdom.
4. The Curia Regis and The Small Council
The Small Council of Westeros was derived from England’s Curia Regis, a council that advised the king in medieval times. They later became what we know today as parliament. These councils in House of the Dragon are nobles who cared more about their personal agendas than the fate of the kingdom.
5. Aegon’s Conquest & The Norman Invasion
Aegon the Conqueror’s conquest of Westeros can be likened to William the Conqueror’s conquest of England in 1066. Both conquerors introduced new military strategies, foreign occupation, and a new ruling house, changing the fate of their kingdoms forever.
6. The Kingsguard & The Yeomen of the Guard
Westeros’ rulers are sworn to be protected by the Kingsguard, who resemble the British Yeomen of the Guard. Established in 1485, these superior warriors once defended the monarchy similarly to Ser Criston Cole and the other white-cloaked soldiers.
7. The Triarchy & The Triarchy of Negroponte
The Triarchy in the show is made up of three Free Cities. This can be compared to the real-life Triarchy of Negroponte in medieval history. These Venetian lords controlled lands in Greece during the 13th century, but like in House of the Dragon, they were not united for long.
8. Blood Feuds & The War of the Roses
The Targaryen civil war, the Dance of the Dragons, was based on the War of the Roses (1455–1487). This English conflict between the houses of York and Lancaster, with its betrayals and changing sides, provided inspiration for some of Westeros’ bloodiest power conflicts.
9. Marriages within the Family & Inbreeding in the Royal Family
The Targaryens also practiced marrying relatives, like the European royal dynasties, particularly the Habsburgs, who did so to keep their bloodlines “pure.” This resulted in genetic issues, like the madness and physical impairments experienced by most Targaryens. History can be as ruthless as fiction. House of the Dragon is fantasy, yet it’s rooted in real events: power, betrayal, war, and ambition. History reminds us that the fight for the throne never really ends, fact or fiction.
Sources
Height and decline of imperial Rome
Breaking Down the Complex Targaryen Family Tree on House of the Dragon
Curia Regis
The King’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard
