Feature article/49

The Free City of Tyrosh began as a military outpost of the Valyrian Freehold. Located on the northernmost and easternmost of the Stepstones, from this fortress city with its high walls the Valyrians meant to control the shipping through the area. Tyroshi merchants (depicted) transformed Tyrosh from a military outpost to a mercantile city following the discovery of a unique variety of sea snails whose secretions could be used to create a dye popular with Valyrians. Within a generation, Tyrosh grew into a major city, where even until this day trade is considered to be a more honorable profession than arms.

Tyrosh is ruled by an Archon, who is chosen from among the members of a conclave of the wealthiest and noblest of the city. Renowned for their greed, the Tyroshi constantly fight (often with Myr and Lys) to gain control of the Stepstones and Disputed Lands. In 96 AC, however, Tyrosh joined together with Myr and Lys to for the Triarchy, known in Westeros as the Kingdom of the Three Daughters. Together, the three cities fought against the army of Prince Daemon Targaryen and Lord Corlys Velaryon over the Stepstones. They later gave their aid to King Aegon II Targaryen during the Dance of the Dragons, when Aegon fought against his half-sister Rhaenyra, her husband Daemon, and her former father-in-law, Lord Corlys. After the Triarchy had torn itself apart, Tyrosh returned to warring against Myr and Lys.

The Band of Nine sacked Tyrosh after they conquered the Disputed Lands. When they continued on to the Stepstones, they installed the wealthy merchant Alequo Adarys as the King of Tyrosh, replacing the archon. Though the Band of Nine was defeated in late 260 AC, Alequo continued to hold control of Tyrosh for another six years, until his queen poisoned him. Read more...