Aegon II Targaryen: The Controversial King of Westeros

Early Life and Family

Aegon II Targaryen, also known as Aegon the Elder, was the sixth Targaryen king to sit upon the Iron Throne. Born in 120 AC as the first child of King Viserys I Targaryen and his second wife, Queen Alicent Hightower, Aegon had an older half-sister, Rhaenyra, and three younger full siblings.

Succession Crisis

Upon the death of King Viserys I in 129 AC, a succession crisis erupted. Rhaenyra, Viserys's designated heir, was challenged by Aegon, who had the support of the Greens, a faction loyal to House Hightower. The ensuing civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons, tore Westeros apart.

Reign

Aegon II ascended to the Iron Throne in 129 AC and reigned for a mere two years before being overthrown. His reign was marked by violence and instability. He executed Rhaenyra and her sons, and his reign ended with his own death at the hands of Rhaenyra's supporters.

Legacy

Aegon II's legacy remains controversial. Some historians portray him as a tyrant who usurped the throne from his rightful heir. Others argue that he was a victim of circumstance, forced to fight for his claim in a brutal and unforgiving world. Nonetheless, his reign left an indelible mark on the history of Westeros, forever shaping the political landscape and the fate of the Targaryen dynasty.