What If Aegon the Conqueror Kept Dragonstone as the Capital?

If Aegon the Conqueror had chosen to keep Dragonstone as the capital of his realm instead of establishing King's Landing, several significant implications could have arisen for the political, cultural, and military landscape of Westeros.

Political Implications

Centralization of Power

Dragonstone, being located off the coast of Dorne and near the Stormlands, would have allowed Aegon to maintain a closer watch over his conquests in the south. This strategic position could have led to stronger control over the Stormlands and greater influence over Dorne, potentially reshaping the political dynamics of the Seven Kingdoms.

Noble Dynamics

The choice of Dragonstone might have altered the balance of power among the noble houses. Houses such as House Baratheon and House Velaryon, situated closer to the new capital, could have gained more prominence compared to those with less direct access to the throne. This shift could have significantly changed the alliances and rivalries within the realm.

Tensions with the Reach

King's Landing's location facilitated easier communication and trade with the Reach, a powerful region known for its wealth and influence. If Dragonstone were the capital, it might have strained relationships with the Reach, who could have felt marginalized from the center of power.

Cultural Implications

Cultural Identity

Dragonstone, with its Valyrian architecture and history, might have fostered a different cultural identity for the Targaryens and their subjects, emphasizing their Valyrian heritage more strongly than the more diverse influences present in King's Landing.

Religious Influence

The Faith of the Seven, which gained substantial influence in King's Landing, may have been less prominent in a Dragonstone-centered capital. This could have led to different religious dynamics in the realm, potentially undermining the dominance of the Faith and fostering a more secular or Valyrian religious culture.

Military Implications

Naval Power

Dragonstone's coastal location could have made it a stronger naval base, allowing Aegon to project power over the seas more effectively. This might have facilitated further conquests or deterred invasions from the Iron Islands or other maritime threats. The Targaryens' reliance on naval strength would have been a defining characteristic of their rule.

Defense Strategies

Dragonstone's natural fortifications, including cliffs and its volcanic nature, would have made it a more defensible capital in the event of an invasion. However, this strategic advantage might have limited the ability to quickly mobilize troops to other parts of Westeros, creating a more isolated and potentially vulnerable position.

Economic Implications

Trade Routes

King's Landing became a central hub for trade due to its strategic location, allowing for easy access to the vast economic network of the realm. If Dragonstone were the capital, it might have disrupted established trade routes, affecting the economy of the region and potentially leading to a greater reliance on maritime trade. The Targaryens' control over the seas would have played a crucial role in shaping the economic landscape.

Development of King's Landing

The development and growth of King's Landing as a major city may have been stunted, leading to a more fragmented political landscape with multiple smaller centers of power rather than a single dominant capital. The focus on maritime trade and naval strength might have meant that King's Landing was not prioritized for economic development.

Conclusion

Overall, if Aegon the Conqueror had kept Dragonstone as his capital, it would have led to a distinctly different political and cultural landscape in Westeros. The emphasis on maritime strength, Valyrian heritage, and regional power dynamics would have shaped the realm in unique ways, affecting everything from noble alliances to military strategies and economic development. The Targaryens would have had a more maritime-centric empire, with significant implications for the balance of power and the cultural identity of the Seven Kingdoms.