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'''King's Landing''' is the capital of Westeros and the Seven Kingdoms. It is situated on the Blackwater river on the spot where [[Aegon the Conqueror]] landed in Westeros to begin his conquest. The main city is surrounded by a wall, manned by a city watch known as the Gold Cloaks. Within the walls, the city's natural landscape is dominated by three hills, named after Aegon and his two sisters. Poorer smallfolk build shanty settlements outside the city. King's Landing is extremely populous, but rather unsightly and dirty compared to other cities. The stench of the city's waste can be smelled far beyond its walls.
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{{Infobox Settlement
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| name = King's Landing
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| image = [[File:Tomasz Jedruszek Kings Landing.jpg|400px]]
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| image_caption = King's Landing by [http://www.morano.pl/ Tomasz Jedruszek].  [http://www.fantasyflightgames.com/ © Fantasy Flight Games]
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| settlement_type= capital of the [[Seven Kingdoms]]
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| location = [[Crownlands]], [[Westeros]]
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| seat = [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]]
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| seat_type = [[Feudalism|Feudal society]]
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| religion = [[Faith of the Seven]]
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| population = 500,000 (approximately){{ref|ASOS|38}}
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| size =
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| founded = [[2 BC]]
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| named_for = [[Aegon I Targaryen]]
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| places = [[Red Keep]] {{!}} [[Great Sept of Baelor]] {{!}} [[Dragonpit]] {{!}} [[Guildhall of the Alchemists]]
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| organizations = [[Kingsguard]] {{!}} [[Alchemists' Guild]] {{!}} [[City Watch of King's Landing|City Watch]]
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}}
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{|
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{{Location map| Crownlands
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| label = '''King's Landing'''
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| label_size = 140
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| lat = -45
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| long = -66
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| position = left
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| marksize = 15
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| width = 400
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| float = right
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| caption = The [[crownlands]] and the location of King's Landing
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| alt = The crownlands and the location of King's Landing
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}}
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|}
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[[Image:Kings landing map.png|400px|thumb|1 [[Rosby road]], 2 [[Dragon Gate]], 3 [[Iron Gate]], 4 [[Dragonpit]], 5 [[Shae]]'s manse, 6 [[Chataya's brothel]], 7 [[Old Gate]], 8 [[Flea Bottom]], 9 [[Red Keep]], 10 Street of the Sisters, 11 [[Gate of the Gods]], 12 [[Cobbler's Square]], 13 [[Guildhall of the Alchemists]], 14 the Hook, 15 [[Great Sept of Baelor]], 16 Muddy Way, 17 Fishmonger's Square, 18 [[River Gate]], 19 [[Tobho Mott]]'s shop, 20 Street of Steel, 21 harbor, 22 [[Lion Gate]], 23 River Row, 24 fish market, 25 tourney ground, 26 [[King's Gate]], 27 [[kingsroad]]]]
  
==The Red Keep==
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'''King's Landing''' is the capital of the [[Seven Kingdoms]], located in the [[crownlands]] on the east coast of [[Westeros]]. It is situated along the [[kingsroad]] at the mouth of the [[Blackwater Rush]] and overlooks [[Blackwater Bay]]. King's Landing is the site of the [[Iron Throne]] and the [[Red Keep]], which is the seat of the king, [[Robert I Baratheon|Robert I]] from [[House Baratheon of King's Landing]].
The royal castle, called the [[Red Keep]], sits on Aegon's Hill. The Keep holds the [[Iron Throne]], the seat of the monarch. Aegon commissioned the throne's construction from the swords of his defeated enemies. According to legend, he kept the blades sharp because he believed that no ruler should ever sit comfortably. Centuries later, kings still cut themselves on the throne.
 
  
==The City==
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The main city is surrounded by a wall, manned by the [[City Watch of King's Landing]], also known as the gold cloaks. King's Landing is the most populous city in Westeros,{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Oldtown}} but unsightly and dirty compared to other cities. Poorer [[smallfolk]] build shanty settlements outside the city. The stench of the city's waste can be smelled far beyond its walls.
The city also holds the Great Sept of Baelor, where the Most Devout convene with the High Septon. It is the holiest sept of the Seven.
 
The slums of King's Landing are called Flea Bottom, where residents are so poor they regularly subsist on "bowls of brown", a mystery stew that can include the meat of rats and murder victims.
 
  
King's Landing has an estimated population of more than 500,000, as stated by Tyrion when he meets Oberyn Martell on his arrival to King's Landing. George R. R. Martin has also stated that the city is larger than Medieval London or Paris but smaller than Medieval Constantinople or Ancient Rome (each had a population of about 1,000,000).
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King's Landing, the principal harbor of the Seven Kingdoms, is rivaled only by [[Oldtown]],{{Ref|aSoS|32}} which is larger in area but less populous.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Oldtown}} Nearby towns include [[Rosby]] and [[Duskendale]] to the northeast and [[Tumbleton]] to the southwest, while the [[kingswood]] is found south of the capital across the Blackwater. [[Driftmark]] and [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]] in the [[Gullet]] protect the bay from the [[narrow sea]].{{ref|TLOIAF| Westeros}}
  
==References and Sources==
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==Layout==
{{EnWP|Cities in A Song of Ice and Fire}}
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:''See also: [[:Category:Images of King's Landing|Images of King's Landing]]''
  
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King's Landing is roughly square-shaped, sprawling across several miles and defended by tall walls. It is dotted with manses, arbors, granaries, brick storehouses, timbered inns, merchant stalls, taverns, graveyards and brothels. There is a fish market. Hundreds of quays can be found in the harbor. Between buildings the roads are broad, lined with trees and branching alleys and streets.{{Ref|aGoT|18}}
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The city covers the north shore of the [[Blackwater Rush]] and covers three tall hills, named after [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon]] and his two sisters, [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] and [[Rhaenys Targaryen|Rhaenys]]. [[Aegon's High Hill]], surmounted by the [[Red Keep]], the royal castle located in the south-eastern corner of the city, overlooks the bay directly, whilst [[Visenya's Hill]] to the west is crowned by the marble-walled [[Great Sept of Baelor]] and its seven crystal towers. The [[Hill of Rhaenys]] in the north is capped by the collapsed ruins of the [[Dragonpit]] dome, its bronze doors shut for a century and a half since the last dragon died.{{Ref|aGoT|18}}
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Behind the quays outside of the walls, there tend to be ramshackle buildings which extend to the walls. These include bait shacks, pot shops, warehouses, merchant's stalls, alehouses, and [[prostitution]] rooms.{{ref|ACOK|49}}
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Poor [[smallfolk]] reside in the slums of [[Flea Bottom]], a maze of narrow streets and alleys. They subsist on "[[bowl of brown|bowls of brown]]", a mystery stew that can include the meat of rats and murder victims, among other things. The richest residents live on the other side of the [[Hill of Rhaenys]] from Flea Bottom.{{fact}} According to semi-canon sources the richer areas of King's Landing lie near the Old Gate.<ref>[[A Game of Thrones (game)|A Game of Thrones RPG and Resource Book]], Guardians of Order</ref>
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Large [[tourney]]s are held outside the city, beside the Blackwater{{Ref|aGoT|29}} and near the [[King's Gate]].{{ref|TLOIAF| King's Landing}}
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===City gates===
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Seven is a sacred number for [[Faith of the Seven|the Faith]], thus the reason [[Aegon I Targaryen]] had seven huge gates built as the entrances into the capital of King's Landing.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}} Each is protected by portcullis, heavy doors, and armed guard.
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* [[Dragon Gate]], leads north to the [[kingsroad]].
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* [[Iron Gate]], leads to the [[Rosby road]].
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* [[Old Gate]].
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* [[Gate of the Gods]].
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* [[River Gate]], known as the Mud Gate by the population of the city, leads south to the [[kingsroad]] and the [[roseroad]].
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* [[Lion Gate]], leads west to the [[Goldroad]].
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* [[King's Gate]], outside of which are [[tourney]] grounds.{{ref|TLOIAF| King's Landing}}
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===Notable locations===
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[[File:King's Landing.jpg|thumb|350px|King's Landing in ''[[Game of Thrones]]'']]
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* The [[Red Keep]], the royal castle located on top of Aegon's High Hill. Within the castle are [[Maegor's Holdfast]] and the [[Tower of the Hand]].
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* The [[Great Sept of Baelor]], where the [[Most Devout]] convene with the [[High Septon]]. It is the holiest sept of the [[Faith of the Seven|Seven]]. It is located on Visenya's Hill.
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* The [[Dragonpit]], a huge dome, now collapsed, that used to hold the Targaryen dragons. Its bronze doors have not been opened for more than a century.{{Ref|aGoT|18}} It is found on the Hill of Rhaenys. The Street of Sisters runs between it and the Great Sept of Baelor.
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* The [[Guildhall of the Alchemists]] beneath the Hill of Rhaenys, stretching right to the foot of Visenya's Hill, along the Street of Sisters. Beneath it is where the Alchemists create and store the [[wildfire]].{{Ref|aCoK|20}}
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* [[Flea Bottom]], slum area of King's Landing, a downtrodden area of town. It has pot-shops along the alleys where one can get a [[bowl of brown]]. It has a stench of pigsties and stables, tanner's sheds mixed in the smell of winesinks and whorehouses.{{Ref|aGoT|65}}
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===Streets, squares and other===
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[[File:Franz Miklis streetofthesisters.jpg|thumb|The Street of the Sisters - by Franz Miklis. © Fantasy Flight Games]]
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[[File: MarcFishman_KL_street.jpg‎ |A street in King's Landing - by Marc Fishman © |thumb|300px|right]]
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: See also [[A Clash of Kings-Map of King's Landing|Map of King's Landing]] from ''[[A Clash of Kings]].
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* Alleys:
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** [[Eel Alley]] is located on Visenya's Hill. Inns and taverns may be found here.{{Ref|AGOT|18}}{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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** [[Pig Alley]]{{Ref|AGOT|65}}
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** [[Pigrun Alley]] is enclosed by tall timber-and-stone buildings whose upper stories lean out so far over the streets that they nearly touch those of the buildings across from them.{{Ref|ACOK|29}}
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** [[Weasel Alley]]{{Ref|AFFC|8}}
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*Lanes:
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** [[Reeking Lane]] is a street full of apprentices.{{Ref|ACOK|41}}
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** [[Shadowblack Lane]], a twisty lane that begins at the northern gate of the Red Keep and winds its way down to the foot of Aegon's High Hill.{{Ref|ACOK|15}}{{Ref|ACOK|29}}
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* Squares:
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** [[Cobbler's Square]]{{Ref|TLOIAF| King's Landing}}
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** [[Fishmonger's Square]] is a market square inside the Mud Gate.{{Ref|AWOIAF}}
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** Unnamed market square inside the [[Gate of the Gods]].{{Ref|ACOK|20}}
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** Unnamed great central square built during King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]'s reign.{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}{{Ref|TLOIAF| King's Landing}}
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** Unnamed square before the Red Keep’s gates.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}
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* Streets:
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** [[The Hook]] is a long, curved thoroughfare connecting the River Gate to Aegon's High Hill.{{Ref|AWOIAF}}
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** [[Pisswater Bend]] is a street probably located in [[Flea Bottom]].{{Ref|ACOK|41}}{{Ref|ADWD|22}}{{Ref|ADWD|72}}
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** [[River Row]] is a street along the southern wall, east of Fishmonger's Square, home to sea captains, fishmongers and others with interest in the harbor.{{Ref|AWOIAF}}
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** [[Sowbelly Row]]{{Ref|ACOK|41}}
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** [[Street of Flies]]{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}}
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** The [[Street of Flour]] contains numerous bakeries. Below the street lies a maze of twisting alleys and cross streets.{{Ref|AGOT|65}}
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** [[Street of Looms]]{{Ref|ACOK|3}}
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** [[Street of Seeds]]{{Ref|ASOS|62}}
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** [[Street of Silver]]{{Ref|ACOK|8}}
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** The [[Street of Steel]] is where most smiths have their forges. It begins on the west of Fishmonger's Square inside the River Gate and climbs up Visenya's Hill. The higher up one goes, the more expensive the shops. At its top is the shop of [[Tobho Mott]].{{Ref|AGOT|27}}
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** The [[Street of Silk]] is a street to the northwest of the Dragonpit lined with brothels of varying expense.{{Ref|AFFC|8}}{{Ref|AWOIAF}}
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** The [[Street of the Sisters]] connects the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] to the [[Dragonpit]].{{Ref|AWOIAF}} One can find the [[Guildhall of the Alchemists]] upon it.{{Ref|ACOK|20}} It runs straight as an arrow between the hills of Rhaenys and Visenya, from which it gets its name.{{Ref|AGOT|67}}
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* Ways:
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** The [[Gods' Way]]{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
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** The [[King's Way]]{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}}
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** The [[Muddy Way]], formerly known as "Blackwater Way".{{Ref|FAB|Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I}} It's a street that begins at Fishmonger's Square.{{Ref|ACOK|41}}
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** [[Shepherd's Way]], formerly known as "Hill Street".{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II}}
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* Wynds:
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** [[Coppersmith's Wynd]]{{Ref|ACOK|44}}
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==Population==
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[[File: Tyrion in Kings landing by MarcSimonetti.jpg|[[Tyrion Lannister]] in King's Landing - by Marc Simonetti ©|thumb|250px|right]]
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King's Landing has the highest population in the [[Seven Kingdoms]],{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Oldtown}} but it is smaller than towns in [[Essos]] such as [[Selhorys]], [[Valysar]], and [[Volon Therys]],{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Volantis}} let alone the [[Free Cities]]. [[George R. R. Martin]] has stated that King's Landing is larger than [[w:Norman and Medieval London|medieval London]] or [[w:Paris in the Middle Ages|Paris]] but smaller than [[w:Constantinople|medieval Constantinople]] or [[w:Ancient Rome|ancient Rome]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Geography Geography], February 07, 1999</ref> According to [[Tyrion Lannister]], the city has a population of approximately half a million.{{ref|ASOS|38}}
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==Military==
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The [[City Watch of King's Landing]] is King's Landing's main military formation, in charge of guarding and policing the town and its surroundings. Its men are two thousand strong,{{ref|AGOT|45}} the number being increased in times of need or war.{{ref|ACOK|8}}{{ref|ASOS|38}} During the reign of [[Viserys I Targaryen]], the King's brother, Prince [[Daemon Targaryen]] was named Commander of the City Watch. He instituted a new uniform and use of equipment. The weapons he issued were dirk, short sword, and an iron cudgel. The men wore mail armor, boots and gloves that were black and a heavy wool cloak, dyed gold. The City Watch became known as Gold Cloaks ever since.{{ref|trp}}
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The [[royal fleet]] guards the entrance to Blackwater Bay, patrolling it and the Blackwater Rush. On occasion royal fleets have been sent to deal with [[pirates]] from the [[Stepstones]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}}
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==History==
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===Founding===
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Prior to [[Aegon's Conquest]], the area around the future King's Landing was just hills and forests, with only a handful of fisherfolk living in a small village on the north bank of the [[Blackwater Rush]].{{Ref|aGoT|18}} The mouth of the river had historically been claimed by [[House Blackwood|Blackwoods]], [[House Bracken|Brackens]], [[House Darklyn|Darklyns]], [[House Fisher|Fishers]], [[House Hook|Hooks]], [[House Massey|Masseys]], and [[House Mudd|Mudds]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} Three hundred years ago, [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conqueror]] from [[House Targaryen]] led his army from [[Dragonstone (island)|Dragonstone]] and landed at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush, building his first fortress of wood and earth, the [[Aegonfort]],{{Ref|AWOIAF| King's Landing}} on top of the [[Aegon's High Hill|highest hill]].
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When Aegon finalized his conquest and was crowned [[Lord of the Seven Kingdoms]], many expected that he would make [[Dragonstone]] or [[Oldtown]] his capital. He unexpectedly decided to build his capital in the new town growing around the Aegonfort,{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings}} since it was more centrally located than any other and not part of the former kingdoms, setting the king apart from his new [[Feudalism|vassals]].{{Ref|aGoT|18}} Aegon established the [[Kingsguard]] after he and [[Visenya Targaryen|Visenya]] were attacked in the streets in {{date|10}}.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}
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Aegon foresaw that King's Landing, which became a city in {{date|10}}, would surpass Oldtown or [[Lannisport]]. Trade shifted from [[Duskendale]] and [[Maidenpool]], and by {{Date|25}} King's Landing had become the realm's third-largest city, ahead of [[White Harbor]] and [[Gulltown]]. The following year Grand Maester [[Gawen]] and Ser [[Osmund Strong]] completed the city walls and seven gates.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I}}
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===Maegor the Cruel===
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The city was expanded by Aegon's successors. The [[Red Keep]], which replaced the Aegonfort, was completed during the reign of [[Maegor I Targaryen]]. During the [[Faith Militant uprising]], [[Warrior's Sons]] and [[Poor Fellows]] seized the [[Sept of Remembrance]] and the Red Keep, which was then under construction. Maegor the Cruel used [[Balerion]]'s [[dragonfire]] to destroy the sept, and began construction of the [[Dragonpit]] atop its ruins.{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}}
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===Jaehaerys the Conciliator===
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[[File:Marc Simonetti Tournament.jpg|thumb|A [[tourney]] at King's Landing during the [[House Targaryen|Targaryen]] era - by Marc Simonetti ©]]
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During the early reign of [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]], the city hosted the [[Golden Wedding]], an event unlike any seen in the history of the [[Seven Kingdoms]] that saw the city prosper.{{Ref|FAB|The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC}} When Jaehaerys came of age, great work was done to improve the city of King's Landing. Work on the [[Dragonpit]] was completed in {{Date|55}}. A massive system of drains and sewers was constructed to carry the waste from the city. The muddied streets were widened and eventually paved with cobblestone. The [[Hand of the King]], Septon Barth pointed out that the river water which was the only source of water for the [[smallfolk]] was fit for only swine and horses. So wells were sunk in the city and other wells were dug outside the city, a series of glazed pipes and tunnels would carry fresh water into the city, where it would be stored in four huge cisterns and made available at fountains and public squares to provide clean drinking water for the smallfolk. The construction of the fountains was approved thanks to the actions of good Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]], so they became known as ''"the queen's fountains"''.{{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
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In the winter of {{Date|59}} a plague known as the [[Shivers]] spread throughout the [[Seven Kingdoms]], King's Landing was hit hardest of all. Thousands died, including half the [[small council]], two of the [[Kingsguard]] and Princess [[Daenerys Targaryen (daughter of Jaehaerys I)|Daenerys]]. The [[City Watch of King's Landing]] succumbed to the disease as well, the streets became lawless and unsafe during the plague. The [[master of coin]], [[Rego Draz]] was murdered by a starving mob who blamed him for the price of bread and for being a foreigner.{{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}
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The city later became connected with other regions of the realm with a network of roads the king ordered constructed such as the [[kingsroad]], [[Goldroad]], and [[roseroad]]. In {{date|98}} King's Landing held a great tourney to celebrate the fiftieth year of King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]'s reign.{{Ref|fab|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}}
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===Dance of the Dragons===
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At the beginning of the [[Dance of the Dragons]], King's Landing was held by King [[Aegon II Targaryen]], but in {{Date|130}} the [[Fall of King's Landing|city fell]] to Queen [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] and her [[blacks]]. Later in the same year, [[Riot of King's Landing (the Dance of the Dragons)|riots]] broke out against the rule of Rhaenyra. These culminated in the mass [[Storming of the Dragonpit]], the deaths of five Targaryen dragons and thousands of smallfolk, and the ruination of the Dragonpit.{{Ref|tpatq}} Rhaenyra abandoned the city, which fell into chaos during the [[Moon of the Three Kings]], and met her doom at [[Dragonstone]]. The civil war ended with [[Aegon III Targaryen]] succeeding Aegon II, and Lord [[Cregan Stark]] briefly held court during the [[Hour of the Wolf]].{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}}{{Ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}
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===Reign of Aegon III===
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During the [[regency of Aegon III]], the [[Hand of the King]], [[Tyland Lannister]] ordered all the city gates to be strengthened so they could better resist attacks from within the city walls. The City like the rest of [[Westeros]] fell prey to the [[Winter Fever]] in early {{Date|133}}.{{ref|fab|Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand}}
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===Baelor the Blessed===
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King [[Daeron I Targaryen]], brought hostages to King's Landing after his [[conquest of Dorne]] and the [[Submission of Sunspear]].{{ref|TWOIAF| the Targaryen Kings: Daeron I}} Daeron, the Young Dragon, was killed trying to subdue Dornish rebellions, however. His successor, King [[Baelor I Targaryen]], pardoned the hostages and walked barefoot to [[Sunspear]]. After recovering from his journey, Baelor the Blessed attempted to outlaw [[prostitution]] in the capital and began construction of the [[Great Sept of Baelor|Great Sept]], which was completed after his death.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I}}
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===First Blackfyre Rebellion===
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During the [[First Blackfyre Rebellion]] in {{Date|196}}, the army of [[Daemon I Blackfyre]], the bastard half-brother of King [[Daeron II Targaryen]], threatened King's Landing, but they were stopped at the [[Battle of the Redgrass Field]].{{ref|TSS}}
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===Great Spring Sickness===
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When the [[Great Spring Sickness]] engulfed [[Westeros]] in {{Date|209}}, four in ten inhabitants were killed by the outbreak. Funeral pyres which took place in the ruins of the Dragonpit burned nonstop, painting the night sky in the unnatural green of [[wildfire]].{{ref|TSS}}
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A [[Great Council]] was held in King's Landing in {{Date|233}} after the death of [[Maekar I Targaryen]]. Lord [[Brynden Rivers]] ordered the execution of [[Aenys Blackfyre]] after the pretender arrived, despite having been given safe conduct.{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Maekar I}}
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===The Mad King===
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In {{date|265}} King [[Aerys II Targaryen]], disgusted with King's Landing, considered building a new marble city on the southern shore of the Blackwater Rush. The Mad King largely remained within the Red Keep after the [[Defiance of Duskendale]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II}}
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During [[Robert's Rebellion]], also called the War of the Usurper, Aerys sent Queen [[Rhaella Targaryen]]—pregnant with Princess [[Daenerys Targaryen|Daenerys]]—with Prince [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]] to [[Dragonstone]] after King's Landing was informed of Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen|Rhaegar]]'s death at the [[Battle of the Trident|Trident]].{{ref|ASOS|38}} Grand Maester [[Pycelle]] advised Aerys to open the gates to the king's former [[Hand of the King|Hand]], Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], but the [[westerlands]] host instead began the [[Sack of King's Landing]].{{ref|AGOT|12}}{{ref|ASOS|38}} The Mad King ordered his [[pyromancers]] to destroy the city with caches of [[wildfire]], but Tywin's son, Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] of the Kingsguard, stopped the [[wildfire plot]] and killed Aerys.{{ref|AGOT|12}} [[Robert I Baratheon]] became the new king on the [[Iron Throne]], forming [[House Baratheon of King's Landing]].{{Ref|AGOT|30}}
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===Robert Baratheon===
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Robert I has held multiple tourneys in King's Landing during his reign, including a [[tourney on Prince Joffrey's name day]].{{ref|AGOT|25}}
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==Recent Events==
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===''A Game of Thrones''===
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Following the sudden death of Lord [[Jon Arryn]], Lord [[Eddard Stark]] travels to King's Landing to become the new [[Hand of the King]] to [[Robert I Baratheon]]. Robert's brother, Lord [[Stannis Baratheon]], leaves the capital to return to his seat of [[Dragonstone]].{{ref|AGOT|20}} The [[Hand's tourney]] is held at the city to honor Ned Stark, who does not approve of the extravagance.{{ref|AGOT|30}}
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Ned investigates Jon Arryn's death and learns that Queen [[Cersei Lannister]]'s children were fathered not by Robert, but by her twin brother, Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] of the [[Kingsguard]].{{ref|AGOT|45}} When Robert is mortally wounded while hunting in the [[kingswood]], his youngest brother, [[Renly Baratheon]], flees the city with Ser [[Loras Tyrell]].{{ref|AGOT|49}} Following Robert's death, Cersei has Ned imprisoned for plotting against Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon]], now Robert's successor as king.{{ref|AGOT|49}}{{ref|AGOT|51}}
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To the surprise of his [[small council]], Joffrey orders Ned's execution at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] rather than allow him to join the [[Night's Watch]].{{ref|AGOT|65}} [[Sansa Stark]] is held captive by the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]],{{ref|AGOT|67}} but [[Arya Stark]] escapes the city with the [[wandering crow]] [[Yoren]].{{ref|AGOT|65}} Because Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] is campaigning against [[Robb Stark]], he sends [[Tyrion Lannister]] to act as Hand to Joffrey.{{ref|AGOT|69}}
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===''A Clash of Kings''===
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[[File:Zippo514 Giant of Lannister.jpg|thumb|350px|[[Tyrion Lannister]] rallying the defenses during the [[Battle of the Blackwater]] by zippo514 ©]]
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King's Landing hosts a [[tourney on King Joffrey's name day]].{{ref|ACOK|2}} During the [[War of the Five Kings]], the capital is cut off from trade and food supplies by the blockade of Lord [[Mace Tyrell]], a supporter of Renly,{{ref|ACOK|17}}{{ref|ASOS|60}} as well as by fighting in the [[riverlands]].{{ref|ACOK|3}} This leads to famine and a [[Riot of King's Landing|massive riot]] in which the [[High Septon (fat one)|High Septon]] is killed.{{ref|ACOK|41}} [[Lollys Stokeworth]] is found wandering Sowbelly Row after she had been raped half a hundred times behind a tanner's shop.{{Ref|aCoK|41}} The [[bloody flux]] spreads through the stews of Pisswater Bend.{{Ref|aCoK|41}}
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Just within the [[Mud Gate]] lie the three great trebuchets called the [[Three Whores]], a new addition to the defense of the city.{{Ref|aCoK|49}}{{Ref|aSoS|32}}
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The city is besieged by Stannis during the [[Battle of the Blackwater]],{{ref|ACOK|59}} but Joffrey's reign is secured by the timely arrival of Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] and his new ally, Mace.{{ref|ACOK|62}}
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===''A Storm of Swords''===
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The armies of Lords Tywin and Mace encamp at King's Landing, and other nobles arrive for the upcoming nuptials of King Joffrey I.{{ref|ASOS|4}} Hundreds of wayns bring food from [[Highgarden]] in the name of Mace's daughter, Lady [[Margaery Tyrell]].{{ref|ASOS|4}} The city's master armorer, [[Tobho Mott]], smiths two [[Valyrian steel]] swords from Ned Stark's [[Ice]] for Lord Tywin.{{ref|ASOS|32}} Tyrion welcomes a delegation from [[Dorne]], and he tells Prince [[Oberyn Martell]] that there are half a million people in the stinking city, including tens of thousands of soldiers from various hosts.{{ref|ASOS|38}}
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Joffrey weds Margaery at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]], but he [[Purple Wedding|dies during the reception]] at the Red Keep.{{ref|ASOS|60}} He is succeeded by his younger brother, [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]]. Sansa flees the capital with the assistance of Lord [[Petyr Baelish]].{{ref|ASOS|61}} Tyrion is condemned to death after Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] defeats Oberyn in a [[trial by battle]],{{ref|ASOS|70}} but he escapes King's Landing with the assistance of Jaime and Lord [[Varys]].{{ref|ASOS|77}}
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===''A Feast for Crows''===
 +
Queen Cersei serves as the regent for young King Tommen. With Tyrion and Varys missing after the death of Tywin, Cersei uses [[wildfire]] to burn the [[Tower of the Hand]].{{ref|AFFC|12}} Pious [[sparrows]] travel to the capital in support of the [[Faith of the Seven]].{{ref|AFFC|4}}
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Amidst growing unrest after the arrest of Queen Margaery by the Faith, Cersei allows Lord [[Aurane Waters]], the master of ships, to launch [[Cersei's dromonds|new dromonds]] in a show of force. However, Aurane sails from King's Landing when Cersei is herself arrested.{{ref|AFFC|43}}
 +
 +
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 +
Traveling in [[Essos]], Tyrion is told that the [[pisswater prince]] came from Pisswater Bend.{{ref|ADWD|22}}
 +
 +
As atonement for her confessed sins, Cersei [[walk of atonement|walks]] from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep amidst the [[smallfolk]] of King's Landing.{{ref|ADWD|65}}
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==Quotes==
 +
{{Quote|Is everyone someone's informer in this cursed city?{{ref|AGOT|25}}|[[Eddard Stark]] to [[Petyr Baelish]]}}
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{{Quote|'''Walton''': What's that awful stink?<br>'''Jaime''': Smoke, sweat, and shit. King's Landing, in short. If you have a good nose you can smell the treachery too. You've never smelled a city before?<br>'''Walton''': I smelled [[White Harbor]]. It never stank like this.<br>'''Jaime''': White Harbor is to King's Landing as my brother [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]] is to Ser [[Gregor Clegane]].{{Ref|asos|62}}|[[Steelshanks Walton]] and [[Jaime Lannister]]}}
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{{quote|[[Roro Uhoris]], the [[Cobblecat]]'s cranky old master, used to claim that he could tell one port from another just by the way they smelled. Cities were like women, he insisted; each one had its own unique scent. [[Oldtown]] was as flowery as a perfumed dowager. [[Lannisport]] was a milkmaid, fresh and earthy, with woodsmoke in her hair. King's Landing reeked like some unwashed whore. But [[White Harbor]]'s scent was sharp and salty, and a little fishy too.{{ref|ADWD|15}}|thoughts of [[Davos Seaworth]]}}
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{{Quote|King's Landing is a pit of snakes.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}|[[Doran Martell]] to [[Nymeria Sand]]}}
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{{Quote|The morning air was thick with the old familiar stinks of King’s Landing. She breathed in the scents of sour wine, bread baking, rotting fish and nightsoil, smoke and sweat and horse piss. No flower had ever smelled so sweet.{{ref|ADWD|65}}|thoughts of [[Cersei Lannister]]}}
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==Chapters that take place at King's Landing==
 +
{{Columns|3|
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 18|''A Game of Thrones'': 18. Catelyn IV]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 20|''A Game of Thrones'': 20. Eddard IV]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 22|''A Game of Thrones'': 22. Arya II]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 25|''A Game of Thrones'': 25. Eddard V]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 27|''A Game of Thrones'': 27. Eddard VI]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 29|''A Game of Thrones'': 29. Sansa II]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 30|''A Game of Thrones'': 30. Eddard VII]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 32|''A Game of Thrones'': 32. Arya III]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 33|''A Game of Thrones'': 33. Eddard VIII]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 35|''A Game of Thrones'': 35. Eddard IX]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 39|''A Game of Thrones'': 39. Eddard X]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 43|''A Game of Thrones'': 43. Eddard XI]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 44|''A Game of Thrones'': 44. Sansa III]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 45|''A Game of Thrones'': 45. Eddard XII]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 47|''A Game of Thrones'': 47. Eddard XIII]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 49|''A Game of Thrones'': 49. Eddard XIV]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 50|''A Game of Thrones'': 50. Arya IV]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 51|''A Game of Thrones'': 51. Sansa IV]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 57|''A Game of Thrones'': 57. Sansa V]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 58|''A Game of Thrones'': 58. Eddard XV]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 65|''A Game of Thrones'': 65. Arya V]]
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*[[A Game of Thrones-Chapter 67|''A Game of Thrones'': 67. Sansa VI]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 1|''A Clash of Kings'': 1. Arya I]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 2|''A Clash of Kings'': 2. Sansa I]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 3|''A Clash of Kings'': 3. Tyrion I]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 8|''A Clash of Kings'': 8. Tyrion II]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 15|''A Clash of Kings'': 15. Tyrion III]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 17|''A Clash of Kings'': 17. Tyrion IV]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 18|''A Clash of Kings'': 18. Sansa II]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 20|''A Clash of Kings'': 20. Tyrion V]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 25|''A Clash of Kings'': 25. Tyrion VI]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 29|''A Clash of Kings'': 29. Tyrion VII]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 32|''A Clash of Kings'': 32. Sansa III]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 36|''A Clash of Kings'': 36. Tyrion VIII]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 41|''A Clash of Kings'': 41. Tyrion IX]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 44|''A Clash of Kings'': 44. Tyrion X]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 49|''A Clash of Kings'': 49. Tyrion XI]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 52|''A Clash of Kings'': 52. Sansa IV]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 54|''A Clash of Kings'': 54. Tyrion XII]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 57|''A Clash of Kings'': 57. Sansa V]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 58|''A Clash of Kings'': 58. Davos III]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 59|''A Clash of Kings'': 59. Tyrion XIII]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 60|''A Clash of Kings'': 60. Sansa VI]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 61|''A Clash of Kings'': 61. Tyrion XIV]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 62|''A Clash of Kings'': 62. Sansa VII]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 65|''A Clash of Kings'': 65. Sansa VIII]]
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*[[A Clash of Kings-Chapter 67|''A Clash of Kings'': 67. Tyrion XV]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 4|''A Storm of Swords'': 4. Tyrion I]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 6|''A Storm of Swords'': 6. Sansa I]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 12|''A Storm of Swords'': 12. Tyrion II]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 16|''A Storm of Swords'': 16. Sansa II]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 19|''A Storm of Swords'': 19. Tyrion III]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 28|''A Storm of Swords'': 28. Sansa III]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 32|''A Storm of Swords'': 32. Tyrion IV]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 38|''A Storm of Swords'': 38. Tyrion V]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 53|''A Storm of Swords'': 53. Tyrion VI]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 58|''A Storm of Swords'': 58. Tyrion VII]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 59|''A Storm of Swords'': 59. Sansa IV]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 60|''A Storm of Swords'': 60. Tyrion VIII]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 61|''A Storm of Swords'': 61. Sansa V]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 62|''A Storm of Swords'': 62. Jaime VII]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 66|''A Storm of Swords'': 66. Tyrion IX]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 67|''A Storm of Swords'': 67. Jaime VIII]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 70|''A Storm of Swords'': 70. Tyrion X]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 72|''A Storm of Swords'': 72. Jaime IX]]
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*[[A Storm of Swords-Chapter 77|''A Storm of Swords'': 77. Tyrion XI]]
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*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 3|''A Feast for Crows'': 3. Cersei I]]
 +
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 7|''A Feast for Crows'': 7. Cersei II]]
 +
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 8|''A Feast for Crows'': 8. Jaime I]]
 +
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 12|''A Feast for Crows'': 12. Cersei III]]
 +
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 16|''A Feast for Crows'': 16. Jaime II]]
 +
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 17|''A Feast for Crows'': 17. Cersei IV]]
 +
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 24|''A Feast for Crows'': 24. Cersei V]]
 +
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 27|''A Feast for Crows'': 27. Jaime III]]
 +
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 28|''A Feast for Crows'': 28. Cersei VI]]
 +
*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 32|''A Feast for Crows'': 32. Cersei VII]]
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*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 36|''A Feast for Crows'': 36. Cersei VIII]]
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*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 39|''A Feast for Crows'': 39. Cersei IX]]
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*[[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 43|''A Feast for Crows'': 43. Cersei X]]
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*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 54|''A Dance with Dragons'': 54. Cersei I]]
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*[[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 65|''A Dance with Dragons'': 65. Cersei II]]
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*[[Epilogue (A Dance with Dragons)|''A Dance with Dragons'': Epilogue]]
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}}
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==References==
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{{references|3}}
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{{Region Crownlands}}
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{{Cities}}
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[[Category:King's Landing| ]]
 
[[Category:Cities]]
 
[[Category:Cities]]
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[[Category:House Targaryen]]
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[[Category:House Baratheon]]
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[[Category:House Baratheon of King's Landing]]
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[[Category:Places in the Crownlands]]
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[[es:Desembarco del Rey]]
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[[fa:بارانداز پادشاه]]
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[[fr:Port-Réal]]
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[[ru:Королевская Гавань]]
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[[zh:君临]]

Revision as of 00:21, 19 July 2019

King's Landing
capital of the Seven Kingdoms
Tomasz Jedruszek Kings Landing.jpg
Location Crownlands, Westeros
Government King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Feudal society
Population 500,000 (approximately)[1]
Religion Faith of the Seven
Founded 2 BC
Named for Aegon I Targaryen
Notable places Red Keep | Great Sept of Baelor | Dragonpit | Guildhall of the Alchemists
Organizations Kingsguard | Alchemists' Guild | City Watch
The crownlands and the location of King's Landing
The crownlands and the location of King's Landing
King's Landing
The crownlands and the location of King's Landing
1 Rosby road, 2 Dragon Gate, 3 Iron Gate, 4 Dragonpit, 5 Shae's manse, 6 Chataya's brothel, 7 Old Gate, 8 Flea Bottom, 9 Red Keep, 10 Street of the Sisters, 11 Gate of the Gods, 12 Cobbler's Square, 13 Guildhall of the Alchemists, 14 the Hook, 15 Great Sept of Baelor, 16 Muddy Way, 17 Fishmonger's Square, 18 River Gate, 19 Tobho Mott's shop, 20 Street of Steel, 21 harbor, 22 Lion Gate, 23 River Row, 24 fish market, 25 tourney ground, 26 King's Gate, 27 kingsroad

King's Landing is the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, located in the crownlands on the east coast of Westeros. It is situated along the kingsroad at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush and overlooks Blackwater Bay. King's Landing is the site of the Iron Throne and the Red Keep, which is the seat of the king, Robert I from House Baratheon of King's Landing.

The main city is surrounded by a wall, manned by the City Watch of King's Landing, also known as the gold cloaks. King's Landing is the most populous city in Westeros,[2] but unsightly and dirty compared to other cities. Poorer smallfolk build shanty settlements outside the city. The stench of the city's waste can be smelled far beyond its walls.

King's Landing, the principal harbor of the Seven Kingdoms, is rivaled only by Oldtown,[3] which is larger in area but less populous.[2] Nearby towns include Rosby and Duskendale to the northeast and Tumbleton to the southwest, while the kingswood is found south of the capital across the Blackwater. Driftmark and Dragonstone in the Gullet protect the bay from the narrow sea.[4]

Layout

See also: Images of King's Landing

King's Landing is roughly square-shaped, sprawling across several miles and defended by tall walls. It is dotted with manses, arbors, granaries, brick storehouses, timbered inns, merchant stalls, taverns, graveyards and brothels. There is a fish market. Hundreds of quays can be found in the harbor. Between buildings the roads are broad, lined with trees and branching alleys and streets.[5]

The city covers the north shore of the Blackwater Rush and covers three tall hills, named after Aegon and his two sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys. Aegon's High Hill, surmounted by the Red Keep, the royal castle located in the south-eastern corner of the city, overlooks the bay directly, whilst Visenya's Hill to the west is crowned by the marble-walled Great Sept of Baelor and its seven crystal towers. The Hill of Rhaenys in the north is capped by the collapsed ruins of the Dragonpit dome, its bronze doors shut for a century and a half since the last dragon died.[5]

Behind the quays outside of the walls, there tend to be ramshackle buildings which extend to the walls. These include bait shacks, pot shops, warehouses, merchant's stalls, alehouses, and prostitution rooms.[6]

Poor smallfolk reside in the slums of Flea Bottom, a maze of narrow streets and alleys. They subsist on "bowls of brown", a mystery stew that can include the meat of rats and murder victims, among other things. The richest residents live on the other side of the Hill of Rhaenys from Flea Bottom.[citation needed] According to semi-canon sources the richer areas of King's Landing lie near the Old Gate.[7]

Large tourneys are held outside the city, beside the Blackwater[8] and near the King's Gate.[9]

City gates

Seven is a sacred number for the Faith, thus the reason Aegon I Targaryen had seven huge gates built as the entrances into the capital of King's Landing.[10] Each is protected by portcullis, heavy doors, and armed guard.

Notable locations

King's Landing in Game of Thrones
  • The Red Keep, the royal castle located on top of Aegon's High Hill. Within the castle are Maegor's Holdfast and the Tower of the Hand.
  • The Great Sept of Baelor, where the Most Devout convene with the High Septon. It is the holiest sept of the Seven. It is located on Visenya's Hill.
  • The Dragonpit, a huge dome, now collapsed, that used to hold the Targaryen dragons. Its bronze doors have not been opened for more than a century.[5] It is found on the Hill of Rhaenys. The Street of Sisters runs between it and the Great Sept of Baelor.
  • The Guildhall of the Alchemists beneath the Hill of Rhaenys, stretching right to the foot of Visenya's Hill, along the Street of Sisters. Beneath it is where the Alchemists create and store the wildfire.[11]
  • Flea Bottom, slum area of King's Landing, a downtrodden area of town. It has pot-shops along the alleys where one can get a bowl of brown. It has a stench of pigsties and stables, tanner's sheds mixed in the smell of winesinks and whorehouses.[12]

Streets, squares and other

The Street of the Sisters - by Franz Miklis. © Fantasy Flight Games
A street in King's Landing - by Marc Fishman ©
See also Map of King's Landing from A Clash of Kings.
  • Lanes:

Population

Tyrion Lannister in King's Landing - by Marc Simonetti ©

King's Landing has the highest population in the Seven Kingdoms,[2] but it is smaller than towns in Essos such as Selhorys, Valysar, and Volon Therys,[30] let alone the Free Cities. George R. R. Martin has stated that King's Landing is larger than medieval London or Paris but smaller than medieval Constantinople or ancient Rome.[31] According to Tyrion Lannister, the city has a population of approximately half a million.[1]

Military

The City Watch of King's Landing is King's Landing's main military formation, in charge of guarding and policing the town and its surroundings. Its men are two thousand strong,[32] the number being increased in times of need or war.[26][1] During the reign of Viserys I Targaryen, the King's brother, Prince Daemon Targaryen was named Commander of the City Watch. He instituted a new uniform and use of equipment. The weapons he issued were dirk, short sword, and an iron cudgel. The men wore mail armor, boots and gloves that were black and a heavy wool cloak, dyed gold. The City Watch became known as Gold Cloaks ever since.[33]

The royal fleet guards the entrance to Blackwater Bay, patrolling it and the Blackwater Rush. On occasion royal fleets have been sent to deal with pirates from the Stepstones.[34]

History

Founding

Prior to Aegon's Conquest, the area around the future King's Landing was just hills and forests, with only a handful of fisherfolk living in a small village on the north bank of the Blackwater Rush.[5] The mouth of the river had historically been claimed by Blackwoods, Brackens, Darklyns, Fishers, Hooks, Masseys, and Mudds.[35] Three hundred years ago, Aegon the Conqueror from House Targaryen led his army from Dragonstone and landed at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush, building his first fortress of wood and earth, the Aegonfort,[36] on top of the highest hill.

When Aegon finalized his conquest and was crowned Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, many expected that he would make Dragonstone or Oldtown his capital. He unexpectedly decided to build his capital in the new town growing around the Aegonfort,[37] since it was more centrally located than any other and not part of the former kingdoms, setting the king apart from his new vassals.[5] Aegon established the Kingsguard after he and Visenya were attacked in the streets in 10 AC.[10]

Aegon foresaw that King's Landing, which became a city in 10 AC, would surpass Oldtown or Lannisport. Trade shifted from Duskendale and Maidenpool, and by 25 AC King's Landing had become the realm's third-largest city, ahead of White Harbor and Gulltown. The following year Grand Maester Gawen and Ser Osmund Strong completed the city walls and seven gates.[10]

Maegor the Cruel

The city was expanded by Aegon's successors. The Red Keep, which replaced the Aegonfort, was completed during the reign of Maegor I Targaryen. During the Faith Militant uprising, Warrior's Sons and Poor Fellows seized the Sept of Remembrance and the Red Keep, which was then under construction. Maegor the Cruel used Balerion's dragonfire to destroy the sept, and began construction of the Dragonpit atop its ruins.[38]

Jaehaerys the Conciliator

A tourney at King's Landing during the Targaryen era - by Marc Simonetti ©

During the early reign of Jaehaerys I Targaryen, the city hosted the Golden Wedding, an event unlike any seen in the history of the Seven Kingdoms that saw the city prosper.[39] When Jaehaerys came of age, great work was done to improve the city of King's Landing. Work on the Dragonpit was completed in 55 AC. A massive system of drains and sewers was constructed to carry the waste from the city. The muddied streets were widened and eventually paved with cobblestone. The Hand of the King, Septon Barth pointed out that the river water which was the only source of water for the smallfolk was fit for only swine and horses. So wells were sunk in the city and other wells were dug outside the city, a series of glazed pipes and tunnels would carry fresh water into the city, where it would be stored in four huge cisterns and made available at fountains and public squares to provide clean drinking water for the smallfolk. The construction of the fountains was approved thanks to the actions of good Queen Alysanne Targaryen, so they became known as "the queen's fountains".[40][41]

In the winter of 59 AC a plague known as the Shivers spread throughout the Seven Kingdoms, King's Landing was hit hardest of all. Thousands died, including half the small council, two of the Kingsguard and Princess Daenerys. The City Watch of King's Landing succumbed to the disease as well, the streets became lawless and unsafe during the plague. The master of coin, Rego Draz was murdered by a starving mob who blamed him for the price of bread and for being a foreigner.[40]

The city later became connected with other regions of the realm with a network of roads the king ordered constructed such as the kingsroad, Goldroad, and roseroad. In 98 AC King's Landing held a great tourney to celebrate the fiftieth year of King Jaehaerys I Targaryen's reign.[40][41]

Dance of the Dragons

At the beginning of the Dance of the Dragons, King's Landing was held by King Aegon II Targaryen, but in 130 AC the city fell to Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and her blacks. Later in the same year, riots broke out against the rule of Rhaenyra. These culminated in the mass Storming of the Dragonpit, the deaths of five Targaryen dragons and thousands of smallfolk, and the ruination of the Dragonpit.[42] Rhaenyra abandoned the city, which fell into chaos during the Moon of the Three Kings, and met her doom at Dragonstone. The civil war ended with Aegon III Targaryen succeeding Aegon II, and Lord Cregan Stark briefly held court during the Hour of the Wolf.[43][44]

Reign of Aegon III

During the regency of Aegon III, the Hand of the King, Tyland Lannister ordered all the city gates to be strengthened so they could better resist attacks from within the city walls. The City like the rest of Westeros fell prey to the Winter Fever in early 133 AC.[45]

Baelor the Blessed

King Daeron I Targaryen, brought hostages to King's Landing after his conquest of Dorne and the Submission of Sunspear.[46] Daeron, the Young Dragon, was killed trying to subdue Dornish rebellions, however. His successor, King Baelor I Targaryen, pardoned the hostages and walked barefoot to Sunspear. After recovering from his journey, Baelor the Blessed attempted to outlaw prostitution in the capital and began construction of the Great Sept, which was completed after his death.[47]

First Blackfyre Rebellion

During the First Blackfyre Rebellion in 196 AC, the army of Daemon I Blackfyre, the bastard half-brother of King Daeron II Targaryen, threatened King's Landing, but they were stopped at the Battle of the Redgrass Field.[48]

Great Spring Sickness

When the Great Spring Sickness engulfed Westeros in 209 AC, four in ten inhabitants were killed by the outbreak. Funeral pyres which took place in the ruins of the Dragonpit burned nonstop, painting the night sky in the unnatural green of wildfire.[48]

A Great Council was held in King's Landing in 233 AC after the death of Maekar I Targaryen. Lord Brynden Rivers ordered the execution of Aenys Blackfyre after the pretender arrived, despite having been given safe conduct.[49]

The Mad King

In 265 AC King Aerys II Targaryen, disgusted with King's Landing, considered building a new marble city on the southern shore of the Blackwater Rush. The Mad King largely remained within the Red Keep after the Defiance of Duskendale.[50]

During Robert's Rebellion, also called the War of the Usurper, Aerys sent Queen Rhaella Targaryen—pregnant with Princess Daenerys—with Prince Viserys to Dragonstone after King's Landing was informed of Prince Rhaegar's death at the Trident.[1] Grand Maester Pycelle advised Aerys to open the gates to the king's former Hand, Lord Tywin Lannister, but the westerlands host instead began the Sack of King's Landing.[51][1] The Mad King ordered his pyromancers to destroy the city with caches of wildfire, but Tywin's son, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard, stopped the wildfire plot and killed Aerys.[51] Robert I Baratheon became the new king on the Iron Throne, forming House Baratheon of King's Landing.[52]

Robert Baratheon

Robert I has held multiple tourneys in King's Landing during his reign, including a tourney on Prince Joffrey's name day.[53]

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Following the sudden death of Lord Jon Arryn, Lord Eddard Stark travels to King's Landing to become the new Hand of the King to Robert I Baratheon. Robert's brother, Lord Stannis Baratheon, leaves the capital to return to his seat of Dragonstone.[54] The Hand's tourney is held at the city to honor Ned Stark, who does not approve of the extravagance.[52]

Ned investigates Jon Arryn's death and learns that Queen Cersei Lannister's children were fathered not by Robert, but by her twin brother, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard.[32] When Robert is mortally wounded while hunting in the kingswood, his youngest brother, Renly Baratheon, flees the city with Ser Loras Tyrell.[55] Following Robert's death, Cersei has Ned imprisoned for plotting against Prince Joffrey Baratheon, now Robert's successor as king.[55][56]

To the surprise of his small council, Joffrey orders Ned's execution at the Great Sept of Baelor rather than allow him to join the Night's Watch.[12] Sansa Stark is held captive by the Lannisters,[28] but Arya Stark escapes the city with the wandering crow Yoren.[12] Because Lord Tywin Lannister is campaigning against Robb Stark, he sends Tyrion Lannister to act as Hand to Joffrey.[57]

A Clash of Kings

Tyrion Lannister rallying the defenses during the Battle of the Blackwater by zippo514 ©

King's Landing hosts a tourney on King Joffrey's name day.[58] During the War of the Five Kings, the capital is cut off from trade and food supplies by the blockade of Lord Mace Tyrell, a supporter of Renly,[59][60] as well as by fighting in the riverlands.[24] This leads to famine and a massive riot in which the High Septon is killed.[17] Lollys Stokeworth is found wandering Sowbelly Row after she had been raped half a hundred times behind a tanner's shop.[17] The bloody flux spreads through the stews of Pisswater Bend.[17]

Just within the Mud Gate lie the three great trebuchets called the Three Whores, a new addition to the defense of the city.[6][3]

The city is besieged by Stannis during the Battle of the Blackwater,[61] but Joffrey's reign is secured by the timely arrival of Lord Tywin Lannister and his new ally, Mace.[62]

A Storm of Swords

The armies of Lords Tywin and Mace encamp at King's Landing, and other nobles arrive for the upcoming nuptials of King Joffrey I.[63] Hundreds of wayns bring food from Highgarden in the name of Mace's daughter, Lady Margaery Tyrell.[63] The city's master armorer, Tobho Mott, smiths two Valyrian steel swords from Ned Stark's Ice for Lord Tywin.[3] Tyrion welcomes a delegation from Dorne, and he tells Prince Oberyn Martell that there are half a million people in the stinking city, including tens of thousands of soldiers from various hosts.[1]

Joffrey weds Margaery at the Great Sept of Baelor, but he dies during the reception at the Red Keep.[60] He is succeeded by his younger brother, Tommen I Baratheon. Sansa flees the capital with the assistance of Lord Petyr Baelish.[64] Tyrion is condemned to death after Ser Gregor Clegane defeats Oberyn in a trial by battle,[65] but he escapes King's Landing with the assistance of Jaime and Lord Varys.[66]

A Feast for Crows

Queen Cersei serves as the regent for young King Tommen. With Tyrion and Varys missing after the death of Tywin, Cersei uses wildfire to burn the Tower of the Hand.[67] Pious sparrows travel to the capital in support of the Faith of the Seven.[68]

Amidst growing unrest after the arrest of Queen Margaery by the Faith, Cersei allows Lord Aurane Waters, the master of ships, to launch new dromonds in a show of force. However, Aurane sails from King's Landing when Cersei is herself arrested.[69]

A Dance with Dragons

Traveling in Essos, Tyrion is told that the pisswater prince came from Pisswater Bend.[22]

As atonement for her confessed sins, Cersei walks from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep amidst the smallfolk of King's Landing.[70]

Quotes

Is everyone someone's informer in this cursed city?[53]

Walton: What's that awful stink?
Jaime: Smoke, sweat, and shit. King's Landing, in short. If you have a good nose you can smell the treachery too. You've never smelled a city before?
Walton: I smelled White Harbor. It never stank like this.
Jaime: White Harbor is to King's Landing as my brother Tyrion is to Ser Gregor Clegane.[25]

Roro Uhoris, the Cobblecat's cranky old master, used to claim that he could tell one port from another just by the way they smelled. Cities were like women, he insisted; each one had its own unique scent. Oldtown was as flowery as a perfumed dowager. Lannisport was a milkmaid, fresh and earthy, with woodsmoke in her hair. King's Landing reeked like some unwashed whore. But White Harbor's scent was sharp and salty, and a little fishy too.[71]

—thoughts of Davos Seaworth

King's Landing is a pit of snakes.[72]

The morning air was thick with the old familiar stinks of King’s Landing. She breathed in the scents of sour wine, bread baking, rotting fish and nightsoil, smoke and sweat and horse piss. No flower had ever smelled so sweet.[70]

—thoughts of Cersei Lannister

Chapters that take place at King's Landing

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Oldtown.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 32, Tyrion IV.
  4. The Lands of Ice and Fire, Westeros.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 18, Catelyn IV.
  6. 6.0 6.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 49, Tyrion XI.
  7. A Game of Thrones RPG and Resource Book, Guardians of Order
  8. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 29, Sansa II.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 The Lands of Ice and Fire, King's Landing.
  10. 10.0 10.1 10.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 20, Tyrion V.
  12. 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 65, Arya V.
  13. Fire & Blood, The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain.
  14. 14.0 14.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Short, Sad Reign of Aegon II.
  15. 15.0 15.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 29, Tyrion VII.
  16. 16.0 16.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 8, Jaime I.
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 41, Tyrion IX.
  18. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 15, Tyrion III.
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 19.3 19.4 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire.
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 20.3 Fire & Blood, Birth, Death, and Betrayal Under King Jaehaerys I.
  21. 21.0 21.1 Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows.
  22. 22.0 22.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 22, Tyrion VI.
  23. A Dance with Dragons, Epilogue.
  24. 24.0 24.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 3, Tyrion I.
  25. 25.0 25.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 62, Jaime VII.
  26. 26.0 26.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 8, Tyrion II.
  27. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 27, Eddard VI.
  28. 28.0 28.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 67, Sansa VI.
  29. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 44, Tyrion X.
  30. The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: Volantis.
  31. So Spake Martin: Geography, February 07, 1999
  32. 32.0 32.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 45, Eddard XII.
  33. The Rogue Prince.
  34. The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh.
  35. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest.
  36. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, King's Landing.
  37. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings.
  38. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I.
  39. Fire & Blood, The Year of the Three Brides - 49 AC.
  40. 40.0 40.1 40.2 Fire & Blood, Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies.
  41. 41.0 41.1 The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I.
  42. The Princess and the Queen.
  43. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II.
  44. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III.
  45. Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand.
  46. The World of Ice & Fire, the Targaryen Kings: Daeron I.
  47. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Baelor I.
  48. 48.0 48.1 The Sworn Sword.
  49. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Maekar I.
  50. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aerys II.
  51. 51.0 51.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 12, Eddard II.
  52. 52.0 52.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 30, Eddard VII.
  53. 53.0 53.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 25, Eddard V.
  54. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 20, Eddard IV.
  55. 55.0 55.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 49, Eddard XIV.
  56. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 51, Sansa IV.
  57. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 69, Tyrion IX.
  58. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 2, Sansa I.
  59. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 17, Tyrion IV.
  60. 60.0 60.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 60, Tyrion VIII.
  61. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 59, Tyrion XIII.
  62. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 62, Sansa VII.
  63. 63.0 63.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 4, Tyrion I.
  64. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 61, Sansa V.
  65. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 70, Tyrion X.
  66. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 77, Tyrion XI.
  67. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 12, Cersei III.
  68. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 4, Brienne I.
  69. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.
  70. 70.0 70.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 65, Cersei II.
  71. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 15, Davos II.
  72. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 38, The Watcher.