The Old Gate is one of the seven huge gates that surround the huge walls of King's Landing. It is located near the center of the northwestern wall near Rhaenys's Hill.
History
[edit]In 19 AC, King Aegon I Targaryen decreed that new city walls with seven gates, each with a massive gatehouse and defensive towers, be built to protect King's Landing. Grand Maester Gawen and Ser Osmund Strong, Hand of the King, headed the construction, which took place between 20–26 AC.[1]
During the reign of Maegor I Targaryen, the king had his own wife and queen, Alys Harroway, tortured to death and executed. Following her death, Alys's body was cut into seven parts and mounted on spikes above each of the seven gates of the city, one of which was above the Old Gate.[2][3]
During the Dance of the Dragons, Lord Staunton's head was taken to the capital after the battle at Rook's Rest and mounted above the Old Gate.[4] The following year, a massive riot broke out in the city. The captains of the Old Gate and Dragon Gate managed to sally out and restore some semblance of order to the streets north and east of Rhaenys's Hill.[5]
In the regency of Aegon III, the King's Hand, Tyland Lannister commanded the city gates to be strengthened so they could better resist attacks from within the city walls.[6]
As part of his plan to destroy King's Landing with wildfire should the rebellion against him succeed, King Aerys II Targaryen commanded his alchemists to plant wildfire at all seven gates of King's Landing.[7]
Recent Events
[edit]A Game of Thrones
[edit]After the arrest of Eddard Stark, his daughter Arya finds that the Dragon Gate, the Lion Gate, and the Old Gate are closed and barred.[8]
A Clash of Kings
[edit]Varys reports that the Antler Men have armed several hundred followers and plan to have the Old Gate seized during the upcoming Battle of the Blackwater.[9]
A Storm of Swords
[edit]Ser Jaime Lannister reveals to Brienne of Tarth the truth of the wildfire cache planted at the Old Gate.[7]
A Feast for Crows
[edit]Jaime is sent by his sister, Queen Regent Cersei Lannister, to inspect each of the city gates.[10]
Known Captains of the Old Gate
[edit]- Ser Balon Byrch[5]
References
[edit]- ↑ Fire & Blood, Three Heads Had the Dragon - Governance Under King Aegon I.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, The Sons of the Dragon.
- ↑ The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Fire & Blood, The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown.
- ↑ Fire & Blood, Under the Regents - The Hooded Hand.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 37, Jaime V.
- ↑ A Game of Thrones, Chapter 65, Arya V.
- ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 49, Tyrion XI.
- ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 24, Cersei V.