Could Aegon Have Conquered Both the Seven Kingdoms and the Nine Free Cities?

In the fantastical world of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire, Aegon Targaryen emerges as a formidable figure. His conquest of the Seven Kingdoms marks a significant moment in the series' history. However, many question whether Aegon, or his descendants, could have extended their dominance to encompass not just the Seven Kingdoms, but also the Nine Free Cities. This article explores the feasibility of such a conquest, drawing on historical comparisons, strategic considerations, and the limitations presented by the setting.

Conquest and Puppet Mastery

While Aegon's conquest of the Seven Kingdoms represented an impressive achievement, it raises the question of whether he or his descendants could have secured control over the Nine Free Cities as well. Historical precedents from the British Empire and the Mongol Empire offer valuable insights.

The British Empire achieved global dominance primarily through superior military technology, advanced weaponry, and superior organization. The introduction of firearms, better ships, and more efficient military systems allowed the British to establish colonies across the globe. Despite their dominance, the British struggled to maintain long-term stability due to local resistance and the complexities of governing diverse populations.

Dragons: A Unique but Fragile Advantage

In Westeros, Aegon and his descendants held a unique advantage in the form of dragons. However, these magnificent creatures were not easily controlled or managed. Dracarys, the act of summoning a dragon, required a significant strain on the mind and body. This made dragons more of a liability than a stable form of power.

The Targaryen kings faced numerous challenges in taming and maintaining these formidable creatures. Dragons like Balerion, Vhagar, and Carax were irreplaceable assets, and their loss could be devastating. The death of Vhagar at the Battle of the Bridge highlights the unpredictable nature of dragons and the risk associated with relying on them for long-term stability.

The Threat of Dothraki Conquest

The Seven Kingdoms faced a significant threat from the Dothraki even before Aegon's rule. The Dothraki, known for their swift and deadly horsemanship, posed a formidable military challenge. The conquest of the Nine Free Cities would have added another layer of complexity to the Targaryens' governance.

The Mongol Empire, under Genghis Khan and his successors, demonstrated the power of rapid and mobile warfare. The Dothraki, like the Mongols, were adept at swift movements and brutal tactics. The Fall of Khwarezmian Empire and the subsequent decline of the Khwarezmians illustrate the devastating impact that such a military force could have. The Dothraki, with their own version of swift horseback assaults, would have posed a significant threat to any centralized power trying to maintain control over the Free Cities.

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While Aegon Targaryen and the Targaryen Dynasty could potentially conquer the Seven Kingdoms, including the violent and rebellious Dorne, as well as the Nine Free Cities, the long-term preservation of such an empire remains uncertain. The unique challenges posed by dragons, the sheer ferocity of the Dothraki, and the incongruence with established historical precedents make it difficult to sustain a wide-ranging and enduring empire.

In conclusion, Aegon's conquest of the Seven Kingdoms may have been a tale of conquest, but the ability to retain control over both the Kingdoms and the Free Cities would have required addressing complex geopolitical and military challenges. The historical examples of the British and Mongolian Empires highlight the difficulties in maintaining long-term dominance, even when faced with formidable advantages like advanced technology and superior military forces.