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House of the Dragon, a prequel to the immensely popular TV series Game of Thrones (based on the best-selling novels Fire & Blood and A Song of Ice & Fire), delves into the Targaryen Civil War, referred to as the Dance of the Dragons. While set in a fantastical world of dragons and ancient magic, the show is deeply rooted in real-life history. Its narrative mirrors significant historical events, particularly medieval Europe’s power struggles and succession crises. By drawing parallels between these historical events and the fictional world of Westeros, House of the Dragon not only entertains but also offers profound insights into the human condition, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the consequences of civil strife.

While the plot is purely fictional, the underlying human story behind the Targaryen Civil War is inspired by a real event from early medieval history known as The Anarchy. This turbulent period in English history spanned from 1135 to 1153. It began with the reign of King Henry I, whose succession plans were thrown into chaos after the White Ship disaster of 1120, which tragically claimed the life of his only legitimate son, William Adelin. Despite quickly remarrying a woman 35 years his junior, Henry had no other sons. Consequently, he named his daughter, Empress Matilda, as his heir, compelling his reluctant court to swear allegiance to her. In the case of The Anarchy, it was a cousin, rather than a half-sibling, who ultimately unravelled Henry’s carefully laid plans.

Medieval Succession Crises: The Perils of Uncertainty

The uncertainty of royal succession, often leading to civil wars, is a recurring theme in medieval European history. The Anarchy, encompassing the civil war in England between Empress Matilda and King Stephen, is a prime example. The death of King Henry I without a male heir led to a bitter dispute over the throne, plunging the country into chaos. Similarly, House of the Dragon explores the consequences of unclear succession laws in a monarchical system. The Targaryens, like many medieval dynasties, are divided by the question of who should inherit the throne. The show vividly portrays how such uncertainty can lead to internal strife as various factions vie for power, ultimately destabilising the realm. This historical parallel underscores the importance of clear and accepted succession laws to prevent conflicts that can tear nations apart.

In House of the Dragon, the Targaryen Civil War unfolds similarly. The question of succession after King Viserys I Targaryen’s death sparks a bitter feud between his daughter Rhaenyra and his son Aegon II, leading to a devastating civil war. Much like The Anarchy, where neither side emerged unscathed, the Dance of the Dragons brings ruin to the Targaryen dynasty, showcasing the destructive power of familial rivalry and the high cost of civil conflict.

Byzantine and Roman Influence: The Fragility of Power

The integral characterisation of Targaryens in House of the Dragon (and, to a lesser extent, in Game of Thrones) draws inspiration from both the Byzantine emperors and the Julio-Claudian dynasty of ancient Rome, blending elements of historical intrigue and family dynamics. The Targaryens’ complex politics, court intrigue, and frequent power struggles echo the Byzantine Empire, where dynastic marriages, often within the family, were used to preserve power. Their opulent court culture and quasi-divine status also reflect the grandeur of the Byzantine emperors, who were seen as God’s representatives on earth.

Additionally, the Targaryens’ family dynamics, marked by brilliance, decadence, and madness, mirror the Julio-Claudian dynasty, known for its unstable rulers like Caligula and Nero. The Targaryens, like the Julio-Claudians, faced succession crises, assassinations, and political manoeuvring, with many of their members struggling to maintain power. Ultimately, both dynasties are depicted as once-great families that succumbed to internal decay and external pressures, leading to their decline—parallels that enrich the Targaryens’ narrative in the series. This depiction serves as a reminder of the fragility of power and the dangers of concentrating authority in the hands of a single, often unstable, dynasty. The show underscores the idea that even the most powerful empires can crumble from within if plagued by internal divisions and unchecked ambition.

Lessons from History and Fiction

The historical parallels in House of the Dragon offer several valuable lessons. First, the show highlights the destructive nature of civil wars and the high human cost of power struggles. The Anarchy and the Targaryen Civil War resulted in significant loss of life, the weakening of noble houses, and long-lasting damage to the nation. In today’s world, these stories serve as a cautionary tale against the perils of divisiveness and the importance of unity in the face of internal conflicts.

Second, the House of the Dragon underscores the importance of clear succession laws and stable governance. The chaos resulting from contested claims to the throne reflects the need for transparent and widely accepted rules of succession to prevent power struggles that can destabilise a nation. This lesson is particularly relevant in regions of the world where disputes over leadership and governance continue to cause conflict.

Finally, the show illustrates the fragility of power and the dangers of hubris. The Targaryens, like the Byzantine and Roman emperors before them, are undone by their internal divisions and overreach. This serves as a reminder that even the most powerful individuals and institutions are vulnerable to collapse if they fail to address internal weaknesses and maintain a sense of humility.

House of the Dragon is more than just a fantasy drama; it reflects historical events and mirrors the human experience. By drawing on historical parallels such as The Anarchy, various medieval succession crises, and the intrigues of the Byzantine and Roman empires, the show offers valuable insights into the dangers of civil conflict, the importance of stable governance, and the fragility of power. As viewers, we can learn from these historical ties and apply these lessons to our world, where the same themes of power, ambition, and division continue to shape our societies.