Disambiguation note: “Aegon Targaryen” is one of the most reused names in the dynasty — it also refers to Aegon II, Aegon III, Aegon IV, Aegon V (“Egg”), and Jon Snow’s birth name. This page covers Aegon I, “the Conqueror,” the founder of House Targaryen’s rule, since he’s the most searched and most historically significant bearer of the name. See Aegon V and the Jon Snow explainer for other Aegons.
Who Was Aegon the Conqueror?
Aegon I Targaryen is the reason a “Targaryen family tree” exists to search for at all. Riding his dragon Balerion, alongside his two sister-wives Rhaenys and Visenya (each with dragons of their own), he united six of the Seven Kingdoms through conquest and diplomacy — Dorne alone resisted, and continued to for generations. His conquest founded both the Iron Throne and the city of King’s Landing.
Family Structure
Aegon’s marriages to both of his sisters set the template for Targaryen intermarriage that continues for nearly 300 years of the dynasty’s history — a practice meant to preserve Valyrian bloodlines, dragon-riding ability, and political stability within the family, rather than diluting power through outside marriages.
Legacy
Aegon’s reign establishes the core institutions of Westerosi royal government, and his descendants rule the Seven Kingdoms for close to three centuries. Nearly every major Targaryen storyline — the Dance of the Dragons, the Mad King’s fall, Daenerys’s claim — traces its legitimacy back to this single conquest.
FAQ
Is “Aegon Targaryen” always Aegon the Conqueror?
No — several Targaryen kings share the name. This page covers Aegon I specifically; see individual pages for other Aegons.
Who did Aegon the Conqueror marry?
His two sisters, Rhaenys and Visenya Targaryen — both dragon riders in their own right.
What dragon did Aegon ride?
Balerion, “the Black Dread,” the largest and most feared dragon in Targaryen history.