The Ideal Capital of Aegon the Conqueror - Highgarden?
Have you ever imagined what Westeros would look like if Aegon the Conqueror had chosen Highgarden as his capital instead of the Rock? From the grandeur of its architecture to its strategic importance, Highgarden would have been a splendid choice. In this article, we explore the potential benefits and challenges of making Highgarden the seat of power for Aegon and his successors.
Architectural Marvel or Geographical Quagmire?
Highgarden, often depicted in art as a magnificent medieval palace reminiscent of Minas Tirith, would have been an appropriate capital for Aegon. Its grandeur aligns well with the notion of a kingly palace. Unlike King’s Landing, which lacks the regal and epic qualities of Highgarden, Highgarden exudes a sense of medieval fantasy that would have resonated with the people of Westeros.
The only issue lies in the geographical location. Highgarden is situated far to the south of the rest of the Seven Kingdoms, making it less central. Furthermore, it is hundreds of leagues away from Dragonstone, Aegon's ancestral seat. Strategically, this location could have posed a significant disadvantage. However, Aegon could have designated Dragonstone to another High Valyrian noble, such as House Quoherys, while constructing a new keep closer to Highgarden for his heir.
Strategic Significance and Diplomatic Message
As the seat of the Targaryen rule, Highgarden would have sent a powerful message to the other lords of Westeros. It would have demonstrated that Aegon could conquer the strongest region, the Reach, and defeat the strongest kings before him. The lords of the Reach may have been unhappy with this decision, as they have had claims to the castle for thousands of years. Nevertheless, Aegon's move would have been a bold statement of his authority.
Intermarriage and Political Stability
As the dragons began to age and eventually die, the political landscape of Westeros would have changed significantly. The Reach families, who relied on their dragons for power, may have intermarried more frequently with families from the Targaryen side. Marriage alliances would have been used to secure legitimacy and ensure the stability of the Targaryen dynasty. Highgarden's strategic position would have made it a logical choice for these matrimonial alliances.
Rebellions and Resistance
The presence of Highgarden as the capital could have affected the dynamics of various rebellions. For instance, in the event of a rebellion led by the Mad King or his counterpart, they would have found refuge in the heavily fortified Highgarden. The Mad King's descendant, Joffrey, would have had more loyalty from the Reach lords than Renly Baratheon. This shift in loyalty might have forestalled Renly's rebellion and made Stannis Baratheon's attempts to take over Highgarden an impossibility due to the loyal guards and defenses.
The Dornish Path and Blackfyre Rebellion
With House Tyrell's loyalty to the Targaryens, Dorne might have remained an independent kingdom, leading to a conflict with the Reach. Thousands of smaller lords joining Daemon Blackfyre could have escalated the Blackfyre Rebellion and potentially led to the rise of the Blackfyres as the new rulers of Westeros. This scenario presents an alternative to the traditional timeline of events, adding a layer of complexity and intrigue to the history of House Targaryen.
Conclusion
The choice of Highgarden as Aegon's capital would have brought its unique advantages and challenges. While its southern location makes it less central, its symbolic significance and strategic importance could have solidified the Targaryen rule over the Reach. The marriage alliances and the tightening of familial bonds between House Targaryen and the Reach could have contributed to a more stable political landscape, while also creating new conflicts and challenges.