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Game of Thrones Timeline Extended to 2026 Clarifies Key Historical Milestones

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Aegon’s Conquest Marks Beginning of After Conquest Era The Targaryens launch a full‑scale invasion of Westeros, defeat the rival houses, and establish King’s Landing as the capital, inaugurating the After Conquest (AC) era used for most series chronology [1]. This event serves as the reference point for the entire timeline, anchoring later historical markers [1]. Centuries of Targaryen dominance flow from this conquest, shaping the political landscape depicted in the shows [1].

House of the Dragon Season 1 Set in Early AC Period Season 1 unfolds in 112 AC, when King Viserys I names his daughter Rhaenyra his heir before marrying Alicent, sparking a succession dispute [1]. Viserys dies, Rhaenyra is crowned, but half‑brother Aegon II garners support, setting the stage for the civil war that drives Season 2 [1]. These events define the early power struggles that echo throughout the franchise [1].

Dance of the Dragons Civil War Shapes Mid‑Century Westeros The civil war erupts in 132 AC, pitting Rhaenyra’s faction against Aegon II’s for control of the Iron Throne [1]. The conflict results in massive loss of life and dramatically reshapes the realm’s political map [1]. Its resolution concludes the narrative arc of House of the Dragon Season 2 and influences later historical developments [1].

Knight of the Seven Kingdoms Chronicles Pre‑Main Saga Adventures Set around 209 AC, the series adapts Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg,” following Ser Dunk and the young Egg at a tournament in Ashford [1]. This storyline occurs roughly 90 years before the main saga, providing background on early Targaryen‑era culture [1]. It enriches the world‑building by showcasing the lives of future king Aegon V in his youth [1].

Robert’s Rebellion Ends Targaryen Rule and Introduces Jon Snow The rebellion culminates in 281 AC, with Robert Baratheon overthrowing the Mad King Aerys II and ending Targaryen rule [1]. Rhaegar Targaryen’s secret marriage to Lyanna Stark produces Jon Snow, a central secret that drives later plotlines [1]. This turning point reshapes the power structure and sets the stage for the events of Game of Thrones [1].

Game of Thrones Seasons Map to Late AC Years 298‑305 Season 1 begins in 298 AC with Robert’s death and the Stark family’s exile [1]. Subsequent seasons track the War of the Five Kings, the Red Wedding, Daenerys’s rise, the White Walker threat, and culminate in the fall of King’s Landing and Bran’s election as ruler [1]. The series therefore spans roughly 298‑305 AC, anchoring its narrative within the established timeline [1].

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Timeline

1 AC – Aegon’s Conquest establishes Targaryen rule across Westeros, defeats rival houses and founds King’s Landing as the capital, launching the centuries‑long After Conquest era that underpins all later series chronology. [1]

112 AC – House of the Dragon Season 1 unfolds as King Viserys I names his daughter Rhaenyra his heir, then marries Alicent, sparking a succession dispute that culminates in Rhaenyra’s coronation and sets the stage for the civil war of Season 2. [1]

132 AC – The Dance of the Dragons civil war erupts between rival Targaryen factions led by Rhaenyra and Aegon II, causing massive loss of life and reshaping Westerosi politics; the conflict concludes the narrative arc of House of the Dragon Season 2. [1]

209 AC – “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” takes place, adapting Martin’s “Tales of Dunk and Egg” and following Ser Dunk and the young Egg at a tournament in Ashford, roughly 90 years before the main saga. [1]

281 AC – Robert’s Rebellion ends Targaryen rule, sees Robert Baratheon overthrow the Mad King Aerys II, and reveals the secret marriage of Rhaegar Targaryen to Lyanna Stark, producing Jon Snow—a secret that drives later plotlines. [1]

298 AC – 305 AC – The events of Game of Thrones map to these years: Season 1 (298 AC) begins with Robert’s death and Stark exile; subsequent seasons track the War of the Five Kings, the Red Wedding, Daenerys’s rise, the White Walker threat, and end with the fall of King’s Landing and Bran’s election as ruler. [1]

Mar 2025 – Production on House of the Dragon Season 3 begins, marking the start of filming for the adaptation of the Battle of the Gullet, the Isle of Faces, Winter Wolves and later phases of the Dance of the Dragons. [2]

Oct 2025 – Filming for Season 3 wraps, moving the series into post‑production ahead of its anticipated 2026 release. [2]

Dec 12, 2025 – HBO Max posts a two‑minute sizzle reel trailer for Season 3, previewing key moments such as Alicent confronting Rhaenyra and James Norton’s appearance as Ormund Hightower. [2]

Dec 19, 2025 – On This Morning, Matt Smith confirms the schedule, stating, “Season 3 arrives in August next year.” His comment aligns with earlier speculation about a mid‑2026 premiere. [2]

Dec 19, 2025 – HBO executive Casey Bloys hints at timing, noting the season will debut “just outside the 2026 Emmy eligibility window, which closes at the end of May,” reinforcing the August launch window. [2]

Fall 2025 – HBO announces that Season 4 is in production and pencils a 2028 release, confirming the franchise’s continued multi‑year rollout. [2]

Aug 2026 – House of the Dragon Season 3 is slated to premiere, delivering the next chapter of the Targaryen saga and fulfilling the timeline promised by both the cast and network executives. [2]

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