Difference between revisions of "King's Landing"

From A Wiki of Ice and Fire
Jump to: navigation, search
(History and Recent Events placement)
(touch up)
Line 39: Line 39:
 
Nearby towns include [[Rosby]] and [[Duskendale]] to the northeast and [[Tumbleton]] to the southwest, while the [[kingswood]] is found south of the capital across the Blackwater.{{ref|TLOIAF| Westeros}}
 
Nearby towns include [[Rosby]] and [[Duskendale]] to the northeast and [[Tumbleton]] to the southwest, while the [[kingswood]] is found south of the capital across the Blackwater.{{ref|TLOIAF| Westeros}}
  
==The City==
+
==Layout==
 
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of King's Landing|Images of King's Landing]]''
 
:''See also: [[:Category:Images of King's Landing|Images of King's Landing]]''
  
The city is roughly square-shaped, sprawling across several miles and defended by tall walls. There are seven gates leading into the city: the Dragon Gate, the Lion Gate, the Mud Gate, the Old Gate, the Gate of the Gods, the King's Gate, and the Iron Gate. Within the walls, the city is dotted with manses, arbors, granaries, brick storehouses, timbered inns, merchant stalls, taverns, graveyards and brothels. There is a fish market. Hundreds of quays can be found in the harbor. Between buildings the roads are broad, lined with trees and branching alleys and streets.{{Ref|aGoT|18}} Just within the Mud Gate lie the three great trebuchets called the [[Three Whores]], a new addition to the defense of the city.{{Ref|aCoK|49}}{{Ref|aSoS|32}}
+
King's Landing is roughly square-shaped, sprawling across several miles and defended by tall walls. It is dotted with manses, arbors, granaries, brick storehouses, timbered inns, merchant stalls, taverns, graveyards and brothels. There is a fish market. Hundreds of quays can be found in the harbor. Between buildings the roads are broad, lined with trees and branching alleys and streets.{{Ref|aGoT|18}}
  
The city covers the north shore of the [[Blackwater Rush|Blackwater]] and covers three tall hills, named after [[Aegon's Hill|Aegon]] and his two sisters, [[Visenya's hill|Visenya]] and [[Rhaenys's hill|Rhaenys]]. Aegon's High Hill, surmounted by the [[Red Keep]], the royal castle located in the south-eastern corner of the city, overlooks the bay directly, whilst Visenya's Hill to the west is crowned by the marble-walled [[Great Sept of Baelor]] and its seven crystal towers. Rhaenys's Hill in the north is capped by the collapsed ruins of the [[Dragonpit]] dome, its bronze doors shut for a century and a half since the last dragon died.{{Ref|aGoT|18}}
+
The city covers the north shore of the [[Blackwater Rush|Blackwater]] and covers three tall hills, named after [[Aegon's High Hill|Aegon]] and his two sisters, [[Visenya's Hill|Visenya]] and [[Hill of Rhaenys|Rhaenys]]. Aegon's High Hill, surmounted by the [[Red Keep]], the royal castle located in the south-eastern corner of the city, overlooks the bay directly, whilst Visenya's Hill to the west is crowned by the marble-walled [[Great Sept of Baelor]] and its seven crystal towers. The Hill of Rhaenys in the north is capped by the collapsed ruins of the [[Dragonpit]] dome, its bronze doors shut for a century and a half since the last dragon died.{{Ref|aGoT|18}}
  
 
<!--  
 
<!--  
Line 54: Line 54:
 
Some of the noble houses maintain handsome fenced manses with their own wells, stables, gardens and stores within the city for when their members visit, whilst  
 
Some of the noble houses maintain handsome fenced manses with their own wells, stables, gardens and stores within the city for when their members visit, whilst  
 
-->
 
-->
The poor reside in the slums which are called [[Flea Bottom]], a maze of narrow streets and alleys, where many beggars and the poorest part of the city's population resides; they regularly subsist on "[[bowl of brown|bowls of brown]]", a mystery stew that can include the meat of rats and murder victims, among other things. The richest residents live on the other side of [[Rhaenys's hill|Rhaenys's Hill]] from Flea Bottom. According to semi-canon sources the richer areas of King's Landing lie near the Old Gate.<ref>[[A Game of Thrones (game)|A Game of Thrones RPG and Resource Book]], Guardians of Order</ref>
+
The poor reside in the slums which are called [[Flea Bottom]], a maze of narrow streets and alleys, where many beggars and the poorest part of the city's population resides; they regularly subsist on "[[bowl of brown|bowls of brown]]", a mystery stew that can include the meat of rats and murder victims, among other things. The richest residents live on the other side of the [[Hill of Rhaenys]] from Flea Bottom. According to semi-canon sources the richer areas of King's Landing lie near the Old Gate.<ref>[[A Game of Thrones (game)|A Game of Thrones RPG and Resource Book]], Guardians of Order</ref>
  
Large tournaments are held outside the city, beside the Blackwater {{Ref|aGoT|29}}  
+
Large tournaments are held outside the city, beside the Blackwater.{{Ref|aGoT|29}}  
  
 
===City Gates===
 
===City Gates===
Seven is a sacred number for [[Faith of the Seven|the Faith]], thus the reason [[Aegon I Targaryen|Aegon the Conquerer]] had seven huge gates built as the entrances into the capital of King's Landing. Each of these gates is protected by portcullis, heavy doors and armed guard.
+
Seven is a sacred number for [[Faith of the Seven|the Faith]], thus the reason [[Aegon I Targaryen]] had seven huge gates built as the entrances into the capital of King's Landing. Each is protected by portcullis, heavy doors, and armed guard.
  
 
* [[Dragon Gate]], leads north to the [[kingsroad]].
 
* [[Dragon Gate]], leads north to the [[kingsroad]].
Line 71: Line 71:
 
===Notable Locations===
 
===Notable Locations===
 
[[File: MarcFishman_KL_street.jpg‎ |A street in King's Landing - by Marc Fishman © |thumb|300px|right]]
 
[[File: MarcFishman_KL_street.jpg‎ |A street in King's Landing - by Marc Fishman © |thumb|300px|right]]
* The '''[[Red Keep]]''', the royal castle located on top of Aegon's High Hill.  
+
* The '''[[Red Keep]]''', the royal castle located on top of Aegon's High Hill. Within the castle are [[Maegor's Holdfast]] and the [[Tower of the Hand]].
 
* The '''[[Great Sept of Baelor]]''', where the [[Most Devout]] convene with the [[High Septon]]. It is the holiest sept of the [[Faith of the Seven|Seven]]. It is located on Visenya's Hill.
 
* The '''[[Great Sept of Baelor]]''', where the [[Most Devout]] convene with the [[High Septon]]. It is the holiest sept of the [[Faith of the Seven|Seven]]. It is located on Visenya's Hill.
* The '''[[Dragonpit]]''', a huge dome, now collapsed, that used to hold the Targaryen dragons. Its bronze doors have not been opened for more than a century.{{Ref|aGoT|18}} It is found on Rhaenys's Hill. The Street of Sisters runs between it and the Great Sept of Baelor.
+
* The '''[[Dragonpit]]''', a huge dome, now collapsed, that used to hold the Targaryen dragons. Its bronze doors have not been opened for more than a century.{{Ref|aGoT|18}} It is found on the Hill of Rhaenys. The Street of Sisters runs between it and the Great Sept of Baelor.
* The '''[[Guildhall of the Alchemists|Alchemist's Guildhall]]''', beneath Rhaenys's Hill, stretching right to the foot of Visenya's Hill, along the Street of Sisters. Beneath it is where the Alchemists create and store the [[wildfire]].{{Ref|aCoK|20}}
+
* The '''[[Guildhall of the Alchemists|Alchemist's Guildhall]]''', beneath the Hill of Rhaenys, stretching right to the foot of Visenya's Hill, along the Street of Sisters. Beneath it is where the Alchemists create and store the [[wildfire]].{{Ref|aCoK|20}}
* '''[[Flea Bottom]]''', slum area of King's Landing, a downtrodden area of town. It has pot-shops along the alleys where one can get a '[[bowl of brown|bowl o' brown]].' It has a stench of pigsties and stables, tanner's sheds mixed in the smell of winesinks and whorehouses.{{Ref|aGoT|65}}
+
* '''[[Flea Bottom]]''', slum area of King's Landing, a downtrodden area of town. It has pot-shops along the alleys where one can get a [[bowl of brown]]. It has a stench of pigsties and stables, tanner's sheds mixed in the smell of winesinks and whorehouses.{{Ref|aGoT|65}}
  
 
===Streets, Squares and other===
 
===Streets, Squares and other===
 
: See also [[A Clash of Kings-Map of King's Landing|Map of King's Landing]] from ''[[A Clash of Kings]].
 
: See also [[A Clash of Kings-Map of King's Landing|Map of King's Landing]] from ''[[A Clash of Kings]].
 
[[File: Tyrion in Kings landing by MarcSimonetti.jpg|Tyrion in King's Landing - by MarcSimonetti ©|thumb|250px|right]]
 
[[File: Tyrion in Kings landing by MarcSimonetti.jpg|Tyrion in King's Landing - by MarcSimonetti ©|thumb|250px|right]]
* '''The Street of the Sisters''', road connecting the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] to the [[Dragonpit]].{{ref|awoiaf}} One can find the [[Guildhall of the Alchemists]] upon it.{{Ref|aCoK|20}} It runs straight as an arrow between the hills of Rhaenys and Visenya, from which it gets its name.{{Ref|aGoT|67}}
+
* The '''Street of the Sisters''', road connecting the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] to the [[Dragonpit]].{{ref|awoiaf}} One can find the [[Guildhall of the Alchemists]] upon it.{{Ref|aCoK|20}} It runs straight as an arrow between the hills of Rhaenys and Visenya, from which it gets its name.{{Ref|aGoT|67}}
* '''The Street of Steel''', where most smiths have their forges. It begins on the west of Fishmonger's Square inside the River Gate and climbs up Visenya's hill. The higher up one goes, the more expensive the shops. At its top is the shop of [[Tobho Mott]].{{Ref|aGoT|27}}
+
* The '''Street of Steel''', where most smiths have their forges. It begins on the west of Fishmonger's Square inside the River Gate and climbs up Visenya's Hill. The higher up one goes, the more expensive the shops. At its top is the shop of [[Tobho Mott]].{{Ref|aGoT|27}}
* '''The Street of Flour''', along which numerous bakeries may be found. Below the street lies a maze of twisting alleys and cross streets.{{Ref|aGoT|65}}
+
* The '''Street of Flour''', along which numerous bakeries may be found. Below the street lies a maze of twisting alleys and cross streets.{{Ref|aGoT|65}}
* '''[[Street of Silk|The Street of Silk]]''', a street to the northwest of the Dragonpit lined with brothels of varying expense.{{Ref|aFfC|8}}{{ref|awoiaf}}
+
* The '''[[Street of Silk]]''', a street to the northwest of the Dragonpit lined with brothels of varying expense.{{Ref|aFfC|8}}{{ref|awoiaf}}
 
* '''Eel Alley''', located on Visenya's Hill. An inn may be found here.{{Ref|aGoT|18}}
 
* '''Eel Alley''', located on Visenya's Hill. An inn may be found here.{{Ref|aGoT|18}}
 
* '''Pigrun Alley''', enclosed by tall timber-and-stone buildings whose upper stories lean out so far over the streets that they nearly touch those of the buildings across from them.{{Ref|aCoK|28}}
 
* '''Pigrun Alley''', enclosed by tall timber-and-stone buildings whose upper stories lean out so far over the streets that they nearly touch those of the buildings across from them.{{Ref|aCoK|28}}
Line 89: Line 89:
 
* '''Reeking Lane''', a street full of apprentices.{{Ref|aCoK|41}}
 
* '''Reeking Lane''', a street full of apprentices.{{Ref|aCoK|41}}
 
* '''Muddy Way''', a street that begins at Fishmonger's Square.{{Ref|aCoK|41}}
 
* '''Muddy Way''', a street that begins at Fishmonger's Square.{{Ref|aCoK|41}}
* '''Sowbelly Row''', the street [[Lollys Stokeworth]] was found wandering along after she had been raped half a hundred times behind a tanner's shop during the [[Riot of King's Landing]].{{Ref|aCoK|41}}
+
* '''Sowbelly Row'''
* '''Pisswater Bend''', a street which is probably located in the [[Flea Bottom]] area. The [[pisswater prince]] came from here. The [[bloody flux]] was spreading through the stews on this street.{{Ref|aCoK|41}}
+
* '''Pisswater Bend''', a street which is probably located in the [[Flea Bottom]] area.
* '''Street of Seeds''' - street
+
* '''Street of Seeds'''  
* '''Street of Looms''' - street{{ref|ACoK|3}}
+
* '''Street of Looms'''{{ref|ACoK|3}}
 
* '''Coppersmith's Wynd''' - street  
 
* '''Coppersmith's Wynd''' - street  
 
* '''River Row''', a street along the southern wall, east of Fishmonger's Square, home to sea captains, fishmongers and others with interest in harbor.{{ref|awoiaf}}
 
* '''River Row''', a street along the southern wall, east of Fishmonger's Square, home to sea captains, fishmongers and others with interest in harbor.{{ref|awoiaf}}
* '''The Hook''', A long, curved thoroughfare connecting River Gate to Aegon's High Hill.{{ref|awoiaf}}
+
* The '''Hook''', a long, curved thoroughfare connecting the River Gate to Aegon's High Hill.{{ref|awoiaf}}
 
* '''[[Cobbler's Square]]'''
 
* '''[[Cobbler's Square]]'''
 
* '''Fishmonger's Square''', market square inside the Mud Gate.{{ref|awoiaf}}
 
* '''Fishmonger's Square''', market square inside the Mud Gate.{{ref|awoiaf}}
  
 
==Population==
 
==Population==
King's Landing is extremely populous, but rather unsightly and dirty compared to other cities. Its population is estimated at more than 500,000,{{Ref|aSoS|38}} although this number varies during winters and in times of war, when people take shelter behind the city walls. [[George R. R. Martin]] has stated that the city is larger than [[:w:Norman and Medieval London|Medieval London]] or [[:w:History of Paris|Paris]] but smaller than [[:w:Constantinople|Medieval Constantinople]] or [[:w:Ancient Rome|Ancient Rome]] (each had a population of about 1,000,000).<ref>So Spake Martin: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Geography Geography]</ref>
+
King's Landing has the highest population in the [[Seven Kingdoms]],{{ref|TWOIAF| The Reach: Oldtown}} but it is smaller than towns in [[Essos]] such as [[Selhorys]], [[Valysar]], and [[Volon Therys]],{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: Volantis}} let alone the [[Free Cities]]. [[George R. R. Martin]] has stated that King's Landing is larger than [[w:Norman and Medieval London|medieval London]] or [[w:Paris in the Middle Ages|Paris]] but smaller than [[w:Constantinople|medieval Constantinople]] or [[w:Ancient Rome|ancient Rome]].<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Geography Geography], February 07, 1999</ref>
  
 
==Military==
 
==Military==
The [[City Watch of King's Landing]], also called the gold cloaks, is King's Landing's main military formation, in charge of guarding and policing the town and its surroundings. Its men are 2,000 strong, the number being increased in times of need or war.
+
The [[City Watch of King's Landing]], also called the gold cloaks, is King's Landing's main military formation, in charge of guarding and policing the town and its surroundings. Its men are two thousand strong,{{ref|AGOT|45}} the number being increased in times of need or war.{{ref|ACOK|8}}{{ref|ASOS|38}}
  
The [[royal fleet]] guards the entrance to Blackwater Bay, patrolling it and the Blackwater Rush.
+
The [[royal fleet]] guards the entrance to Blackwater Bay, patrolling it and the Blackwater Rush. On occasion royal fleets have been sent to deal with [[pirates]] from the [[Stepstones]].{{ref|TWOIAF| The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh}}
<!-- add kings guard and various as well? -->
 
  
 
==History==
 
==History==
Line 135: Line 134:
 
===Robert's reign===
 
===Robert's reign===
  
Robert Baratheon held multiple tourneys in King's Landing during his reign, including a [[tourney on Prince Joffrey's name day]].
+
Robert has held multiple tourneys in King's Landing during his reign, including a [[tourney on Prince Joffrey's name day]].
  
 
==Recent Events==
 
==Recent Events==
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
 
===''A Game of Thrones''===
Following the sudden death of Lord [[Jon Arryn]], Lord [[Eddard Stark]] travels to King's Landing to become the new [[Hand of the King]] to [[Robert I Baratheon]]. Robert's brother, [[Stannis Baratheon]], leaves the capital to return to his seat of [[Dragonstone]]. The [[Hand's tourney]] is held at the city to honor Ned Stark, who does not approve of the extravagance.
+
Following the sudden death of Lord [[Jon Arryn]], Lord [[Eddard Stark]] travels to King's Landing to become the new [[Hand of the King]] to [[Robert I Baratheon]]. Robert's brother, Lord [[Stannis Baratheon]], leaves the capital to return to his seat of [[Dragonstone]].{{ref|AGOT|20}} The [[Hand's tourney]] is held at the city to honor Ned Stark, who does not approve of the extravagance.{{ref|AGOT|30}}
  
Ned investigates Jon Arryn's death and learns that Queen [[Cersei Lannister]]'s children were fathered not by Robert, but by her twin brother, Ser [[Jaime Lannister]]. Following Robert's death, Cersei has Ned imprisoned for plotting against Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon]], now Robert's successor as king. To the surprise of his [[small council]], Joffrey orders Ned's execution at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] rather than allow him to join the [[Night's Watch]]. [[Sansa Stark]] is held captive by the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]], but [[Arya Stark]] escapes the city. Because Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] is campaigning against [[Robb Stark]], he sends [[Tyrion Lannister]] to act as Hand to Joffrey.
+
Ned investigates Jon Arryn's death and learns that Queen [[Cersei Lannister]]'s children were fathered not by Robert, but by her twin brother, Ser [[Jaime Lannister]] of the [[Kingsguard]].{{ref|AGOT|45}} When Robert is mortally wounded while hunting in the [[kingswood]], his youngest brother, [[Renly Baratheon]], flees the city with Ser [[Loras Tyrell]].{{ref|AGOT|49}} Following Robert's death, Cersei has Ned imprisoned for plotting against Prince [[Joffrey Baratheon]], now Robert's successor as king.{{ref|AGOT|49}}{{ref|AGOT|51}}
 +
 
 +
To the surprise of his [[small council]], Joffrey orders Ned's execution at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]] rather than allow him to join the [[Night's Watch]].{{ref|AGOT|65}} [[Sansa Stark]] is held captive by the [[House Lannister|Lannisters]],{{ref|AOS|67}} but [[Arya Stark]] escapes the city with the [[wandering crow]] [[Yoren]].{{ref|AGOT|65}} Because Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] is campaigning against [[Robb Stark]], he sends [[Tyrion Lannister]] to act as Hand to Joffrey.{{ref|AGOT|69}}
  
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
 
===''A Clash of Kings''===
King's Landing hosts a [[tourney on King Joffrey's name day]]. During the [[War of the Five Kings]], the capital is cut off from trade and food supplies by the blockade of Lord [[Mace Tyrell]], a supporter of [[Renly Baratheon]]. This leads to mass famine and a [[Riot of King's Landing|massive riot]] in which the [[High Septon (fat one)|High Septon]] is killed.
+
King's Landing hosts a [[tourney on King Joffrey's name day]].{{ref|ACOK|2}} During the [[War of the Five Kings]], the capital is cut off from trade and food supplies by the blockade of Lord [[Mace Tyrell]], a supporter of Renly.{{ref|ACOK|17}} This leads to mass famine and a [[Riot of King's Landing|massive riot]] in which the [[High Septon (fat one)|High Septon]] is killed.{{ref|ACOK|41}} [[Lollys Stokeworth]] is found wandering Sowbelly Row after she had been raped half a hundred times behind a tanner's shop.{{Ref|aCoK|41}}The [[bloody flux]] spreads through the stews of Pisswater Bend.{{Ref|aCoK|41}}
  
The city is besieged by Stannis during the [[Battle of the Blackwater]], but Joffrey's reign is secured by the timely arrival of Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] and his new ally, Mace.
+
Just within the Mud Gate lie the three great trebuchets called the [[Three Whores]], a new addition to the defense of the city.{{Ref|aCoK|49}}{{Ref|aSoS|32}}
 +
 
 +
The city is besieged by Stannis during the [[Battle of the Blackwater]],{{ref|ACOK|59}} but Joffrey's reign is secured by the timely arrival of Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] and his new ally, Mace.{{ref|ACOK|62}}
  
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
 
===''A Storm of Swords''===
The city's master armorer, [[Tobho Mott]], smiths two [[Valyrian steel]] swords from [[Ice]] for Lord Tywin.{{ref|ASOS|32}}
+
The armies of Lords Tywin and Mace encamp at King's Landing, and other nobles arrive for the upcoming nuptials of King Joffrey I.{{ref|ASOS|4}} Hundreds of wayns bring food from [[Highgarden]] in the name of Mace's daughter, Lady [[Margaery Tyrell]].{{ref|ASOS|4}} The city's master armorer, [[Tobho Mott]], smiths two [[Valyrian steel]] swords from Ned Stark's [[Ice]] for Lord Tywin.{{ref|ASOS|32}} Tyrion welcomes a delegation from [[Dorne]], and he tells Prince [[Oberyn Martell]] that there are half a million people in the stinking city, including tens of thousands of soldiers from various hosts.{{ref|ASOS|38}}
  
King Joffrey I weds [[Margaery Tyrell]] at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]], but he [[Purple Wedding|dies during the reception]] at the Red Keep.{{ref|ASOS|60}} He is succeeded by his younger brother, [[Tommen Baratheon]].
+
Joffrey weds Margaery at the [[Great Sept of Baelor]], but he [[Purple Wedding|dies during the reception]] at the Red Keep.{{ref|ASOS|60}} He is succeeded by his younger brother, [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]]. Sansa flees the capital with the assistance of Lord [[Petyr Baelish]].{{ref|ASOS|61}} Tyrion is condemned to death after Ser [[Gregor Clegane]] defeats Oberyn in a [[trial by battle]],{{ref|ASOS|70}} but he escapes King's Landing with the assistance of Jaime and Lord [[Varys]].{{ref|ASOS|77}}
  
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
 
===''A Feast for Crows''===
Queen [[Cersei Lannister]] serves as the regent for young King Tommen. She uses [[wildfire]] to burn the [[Tower of the Hand]].{{ref|AFFC|12}} Pious [[sparrows]] travel to the capital in support of the [[Faith of the Seven]].{{ref|AFFC|4}}
+
Queen Cersei serves as the regent for young King Tommen. With Tyrion and Varys missing after the death of Tywin, Cersei uses [[wildfire]] to burn the [[Tower of the Hand]].{{ref|AFFC|12}} Pious [[sparrows]] travel to the capital in support of the [[Faith of the Seven]].{{ref|AFFC|4}}
  
Amidst growing unrest after the arrest of Queen Margaery by the Faith, Cersei allows Lord [[Aurane Waters]], the Master of Ships, to launch [[Cersei's dromonds|new dromonds]] in a show of force. However, Aurane sails from King's Landing when Cersei is herself arrested.{{ref|AFFC|43}}
+
Amidst growing unrest after the arrest of Queen Margaery by the Faith, Cersei allows Lord [[Aurane Waters]], the master of ships, to launch [[Cersei's dromonds|new dromonds]] in a show of force. However, Aurane sails from King's Landing when Cersei is herself arrested.{{ref|AFFC|43}}
  
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 
===''A Dance with Dragons''===
 +
Traveling in [[Essos]], Tyrion is told that the [[pisswater prince]] came from Pisswater Bend.{{ref|ADWD|22}}
 +
 
As atonement for her confessed sins, Cersei [[walk of atonement|walks]] from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep amidst the [[smallfolk]] of King's Landing.{{ref|ADWD|65}}
 
As atonement for her confessed sins, Cersei [[walk of atonement|walks]] from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep amidst the [[smallfolk]] of King's Landing.{{ref|ADWD|65}}
  

Revision as of 21:04, 10 August 2016

King's Landing
capital of the Seven Kingdoms
Tomasz Jedruszek Kings Landing.jpg
Location Crownlands, Westeros
Government King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Feudal society
Population 500,000 (approximately)
Religion Faith of the Seven
Founded 2 BC - 1 BC
Named for Aegon I Targaryen, its founder.
Notable places Red Keep | Great Sept of Baelor
Organizations Kingsguard | Alchemists' Guild | City Watch
The crownlands and the location of King's Landing
The crownlands and the location of King's Landing
King's Landing
The crownlands and the location of King's Landing
1 : Road to Rosby - 2 : Dragon Gate - 3 : Iron Gate - 4 : Dragonpit- 5 : mansion of Shae - 6 : brothel of Chataya - 7 : Old Gate - 8 : Flea Bottom - 9 : Red Keep - 10 : Street of Sisters - 11 : Gate of the Gods - 12 : Cobbler Square - 13 : Guildhall of the Alchemists - 14 : The Hook - 15 : Great Sept of Baelor - 16 : Muddy Way - 17 : Fishmonger's Square - 18 : River Gate - 19 : Tobho Mott's store - 20 : Street of Steel - 21 : Harbor- 22 : Lion Gate - 23 : River Row - 24 : Fish Market - 25 : Tourney ground - 26 : The King's Gate - 27 : kingsroad.

King's Landing is the capital of the Seven Kingdoms, located in the crownlands on the east coast of Westeros. It is situated along the kingsroad at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush and overlooks Blackwater Bay. It is the site of the Iron Throne and the Red Keep, which is the seat of the king, Robert I from House Baratheon of King's Landing.

The main city is surrounded by a wall, manned by the City Watch of King's Landing, also known as the gold cloaks. King's Landing is the most populous city in Westeros,[1] but unsightly and dirty compared to other cities. Poorer smallfolk build shanty settlements outside the city. The stench of the city's waste can be smelled far beyond its walls. King's Landing, the principal harbor of the Seven Kingdoms, is rivaled only by Oldtown,[2] which is larger in size but less populous.[1]

Nearby towns include Rosby and Duskendale to the northeast and Tumbleton to the southwest, while the kingswood is found south of the capital across the Blackwater.[3]

Layout

See also: Images of King's Landing

King's Landing is roughly square-shaped, sprawling across several miles and defended by tall walls. It is dotted with manses, arbors, granaries, brick storehouses, timbered inns, merchant stalls, taverns, graveyards and brothels. There is a fish market. Hundreds of quays can be found in the harbor. Between buildings the roads are broad, lined with trees and branching alleys and streets.[4]

The city covers the north shore of the Blackwater and covers three tall hills, named after Aegon and his two sisters, Visenya and Rhaenys. Aegon's High Hill, surmounted by the Red Keep, the royal castle located in the south-eastern corner of the city, overlooks the bay directly, whilst Visenya's Hill to the west is crowned by the marble-walled Great Sept of Baelor and its seven crystal towers. The Hill of Rhaenys in the north is capped by the collapsed ruins of the Dragonpit dome, its bronze doors shut for a century and a half since the last dragon died.[4]

The poor reside in the slums which are called Flea Bottom, a maze of narrow streets and alleys, where many beggars and the poorest part of the city's population resides; they regularly subsist on "bowls of brown", a mystery stew that can include the meat of rats and murder victims, among other things. The richest residents live on the other side of the Hill of Rhaenys from Flea Bottom. According to semi-canon sources the richer areas of King's Landing lie near the Old Gate.[5]

Large tournaments are held outside the city, beside the Blackwater.[6]

City Gates

Seven is a sacred number for the Faith, thus the reason Aegon I Targaryen had seven huge gates built as the entrances into the capital of King's Landing. Each is protected by portcullis, heavy doors, and armed guard.

Notable Locations

A street in King's Landing - by Marc Fishman ©
  • The Red Keep, the royal castle located on top of Aegon's High Hill. Within the castle are Maegor's Holdfast and the Tower of the Hand.
  • The Great Sept of Baelor, where the Most Devout convene with the High Septon. It is the holiest sept of the Seven. It is located on Visenya's Hill.
  • The Dragonpit, a huge dome, now collapsed, that used to hold the Targaryen dragons. Its bronze doors have not been opened for more than a century.[4] It is found on the Hill of Rhaenys. The Street of Sisters runs between it and the Great Sept of Baelor.
  • The Alchemist's Guildhall, beneath the Hill of Rhaenys, stretching right to the foot of Visenya's Hill, along the Street of Sisters. Beneath it is where the Alchemists create and store the wildfire.[7]
  • Flea Bottom, slum area of King's Landing, a downtrodden area of town. It has pot-shops along the alleys where one can get a bowl of brown. It has a stench of pigsties and stables, tanner's sheds mixed in the smell of winesinks and whorehouses.[8]

Streets, Squares and other

See also Map of King's Landing from A Clash of Kings.
Tyrion in King's Landing - by MarcSimonetti ©
  • The Street of the Sisters, road connecting the Great Sept of Baelor to the Dragonpit.[9] One can find the Guildhall of the Alchemists upon it.[7] It runs straight as an arrow between the hills of Rhaenys and Visenya, from which it gets its name.[10]
  • The Street of Steel, where most smiths have their forges. It begins on the west of Fishmonger's Square inside the River Gate and climbs up Visenya's Hill. The higher up one goes, the more expensive the shops. At its top is the shop of Tobho Mott.[11]
  • The Street of Flour, along which numerous bakeries may be found. Below the street lies a maze of twisting alleys and cross streets.[8]
  • The Street of Silk, a street to the northwest of the Dragonpit lined with brothels of varying expense.[12][9]
  • Eel Alley, located on Visenya's Hill. An inn may be found here.[4]
  • Pigrun Alley, enclosed by tall timber-and-stone buildings whose upper stories lean out so far over the streets that they nearly touch those of the buildings across from them.[13]
  • Shadowblack Lane, a twisty lane that begins at the northern gate of the Red Keep and winds its way down to the foot of Aegon's High Hill.[14][15]
  • Reeking Lane, a street full of apprentices.[16]
  • Muddy Way, a street that begins at Fishmonger's Square.[16]
  • Sowbelly Row
  • Pisswater Bend, a street which is probably located in the Flea Bottom area.
  • Street of Seeds
  • Street of Looms[17]
  • Coppersmith's Wynd - street
  • River Row, a street along the southern wall, east of Fishmonger's Square, home to sea captains, fishmongers and others with interest in harbor.[9]
  • The Hook, a long, curved thoroughfare connecting the River Gate to Aegon's High Hill.[9]
  • Cobbler's Square
  • Fishmonger's Square, market square inside the Mud Gate.[9]

Population

King's Landing has the highest population in the Seven Kingdoms,[1] but it is smaller than towns in Essos such as Selhorys, Valysar, and Volon Therys,[18] let alone the Free Cities. George R. R. Martin has stated that King's Landing is larger than medieval London or Paris but smaller than medieval Constantinople or ancient Rome.[19]

Military

The City Watch of King's Landing, also called the gold cloaks, is King's Landing's main military formation, in charge of guarding and policing the town and its surroundings. Its men are two thousand strong,[20] the number being increased in times of need or war.[21][22]

The royal fleet guards the entrance to Blackwater Bay, patrolling it and the Blackwater Rush. On occasion royal fleets have been sent to deal with pirates from the Stepstones.[23]

History

Founding

Prior to Aegon's Conquest, the area around the future King's Landing was just hills and forests, with only a handful of fisherfolk living north of the Blackwater Rush.[4] Historically, the mouth of the Blackwater had been claimed by a hundred river kings, Storm Kings, and Kings of the Reach.[24] Three hundred years ago, Aegon the Conqueror from House Targaryen led his army from Dragonstone and landed at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush, building his first fortress of wood and earth, the Aegonfort,[25] on top of the highest hill.

When Aegon finalized his conquest and was crowned Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, many expected that he would make Dragonstone or Oldtown his capital. He unexpectedly decided to build his capital in the new town growing around the Aegonfort,[26] since it was more centrally located than any other and not part of the former kingdoms, setting the king apart from his new vassals.[4]

Aegon foresaw that King's Landing would surpass Oldtown or Lannisport; by 25 AC it had become the kingdom's third-largest city, ahead of White Harbor and Gulltown.[27] The city was expanded by the Targaryen kings. The Red Keep was completed during the reign of Maegor the Cruel, the Great Sept was built to show the Targaryens' piety and adherence to the Faith of the Seven after giving up the old gods of Valyria,[28] and the Dragonpit was constructed to house the Targaryen dragons.

Dance of the Dragons

In the civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons, the city was originally ruled by King Aegon II, but in 130 AC the city fell when it was invaded by Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and her blacks. Later in 130 AC, riots broke out against the rule of Rhaenyra. These culminated in the mass storming of the Dragonpit and the deaths of five Targaryen dragons, thousands of smallfolk and the ruination of the Dragonpit.[29] Rhaenyra abandoned the city, which was subsequently left without a ruler for a short period of time. In the last month of 130 AC, Aegon II proclaimed his intent to retake the city.

First Blackfyre Rebellion

During the First Blackfyre Rebellion in 196 AC, the army of Daemon I Blackfyre, the bastard half-brother of King Daeron II Targaryen, threatened King's Landing, but they were stopped at the Battle of the Redgrass Field.

Great Spring Sickness

When the Great Spring Sickness engulfed Westeros in 209 AC, four in ten inhabitants were killed by the outbreak. Funeral pyres which took place in the ruins of the Dragonpit burned nonstop, painting the night sky in the unnatural green of wildfire.

Robert's Rebellion

During the civil war known as Robert's Rebellion and the War of the Usurper, King Aerys II Targaryen contemplated burning the city to the ground to "save" it from the rebels, and it was sacked shortly after by a westerlands host commanded by Aerys's former Hand of the King, Lord Tywin Lannister. Robert I Baratheon became the new king on the Iron Throne, forming House Baratheon of King's Landing.

Robert's reign

Robert has held multiple tourneys in King's Landing during his reign, including a tourney on Prince Joffrey's name day.

Recent Events

A Game of Thrones

Following the sudden death of Lord Jon Arryn, Lord Eddard Stark travels to King's Landing to become the new Hand of the King to Robert I Baratheon. Robert's brother, Lord Stannis Baratheon, leaves the capital to return to his seat of Dragonstone.[30] The Hand's tourney is held at the city to honor Ned Stark, who does not approve of the extravagance.[31]

Ned investigates Jon Arryn's death and learns that Queen Cersei Lannister's children were fathered not by Robert, but by her twin brother, Ser Jaime Lannister of the Kingsguard.[20] When Robert is mortally wounded while hunting in the kingswood, his youngest brother, Renly Baratheon, flees the city with Ser Loras Tyrell.[32] Following Robert's death, Cersei has Ned imprisoned for plotting against Prince Joffrey Baratheon, now Robert's successor as king.[32][33]

To the surprise of his small council, Joffrey orders Ned's execution at the Great Sept of Baelor rather than allow him to join the Night's Watch.[8] Sansa Stark is held captive by the Lannisters,[34] but Arya Stark escapes the city with the wandering crow Yoren.[8] Because Lord Tywin Lannister is campaigning against Robb Stark, he sends Tyrion Lannister to act as Hand to Joffrey.[35]

A Clash of Kings

King's Landing hosts a tourney on King Joffrey's name day.[36] During the War of the Five Kings, the capital is cut off from trade and food supplies by the blockade of Lord Mace Tyrell, a supporter of Renly.[37] This leads to mass famine and a massive riot in which the High Septon is killed.[16] Lollys Stokeworth is found wandering Sowbelly Row after she had been raped half a hundred times behind a tanner's shop.[16]The bloody flux spreads through the stews of Pisswater Bend.[16]

Just within the Mud Gate lie the three great trebuchets called the Three Whores, a new addition to the defense of the city.[38][2]

The city is besieged by Stannis during the Battle of the Blackwater,[39] but Joffrey's reign is secured by the timely arrival of Lord Tywin Lannister and his new ally, Mace.[40]

A Storm of Swords

The armies of Lords Tywin and Mace encamp at King's Landing, and other nobles arrive for the upcoming nuptials of King Joffrey I.[41] Hundreds of wayns bring food from Highgarden in the name of Mace's daughter, Lady Margaery Tyrell.[41] The city's master armorer, Tobho Mott, smiths two Valyrian steel swords from Ned Stark's Ice for Lord Tywin.[2] Tyrion welcomes a delegation from Dorne, and he tells Prince Oberyn Martell that there are half a million people in the stinking city, including tens of thousands of soldiers from various hosts.[22]

Joffrey weds Margaery at the Great Sept of Baelor, but he dies during the reception at the Red Keep.[42] He is succeeded by his younger brother, Tommen I Baratheon. Sansa flees the capital with the assistance of Lord Petyr Baelish.[43] Tyrion is condemned to death after Ser Gregor Clegane defeats Oberyn in a trial by battle,[44] but he escapes King's Landing with the assistance of Jaime and Lord Varys.[45]

A Feast for Crows

Queen Cersei serves as the regent for young King Tommen. With Tyrion and Varys missing after the death of Tywin, Cersei uses wildfire to burn the Tower of the Hand.[46] Pious sparrows travel to the capital in support of the Faith of the Seven.[47]

Amidst growing unrest after the arrest of Queen Margaery by the Faith, Cersei allows Lord Aurane Waters, the master of ships, to launch new dromonds in a show of force. However, Aurane sails from King's Landing when Cersei is herself arrested.[48]

A Dance with Dragons

Traveling in Essos, Tyrion is told that the pisswater prince came from Pisswater Bend.[49]

As atonement for her confessed sins, Cersei walks from the Great Sept of Baelor to the Red Keep amidst the smallfolk of King's Landing.[50]

Quotes

"Is everyone someone's informer in this cursed city?"

- Eddard Stark


One peddler was hawking rats roasted on a skewer. "Fresh rats," he cried loudly, "fresh rats." Doubtless fresh rats were to be preferred to old stale rotten rats.[17]

Tyrion Lannister


Smoke, sweat, and shit. King’s Landing, in short. If you have a good nose you can smell the treachery too.[51]

Jaime Lannister


King's Landing is a pit of snakes. [52]

- Prince Doran Martell


The morning air was thick with the old familiar stinks of King’s Landing. She breathed in the scents of sour wine, bread baking, rotting fish and nightsoil, smoke and sweat and horse piss. No flower had ever smelled so sweet.

- Cersei Lannister

Chapters that take place at King's Landing

References and Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 The World of Ice & Fire, The Reach: Oldtown.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 32, Tyrion IV.
  3. The Lands of Ice and Fire, Westeros.
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 18, Catelyn IV.
  5. A Game of Thrones RPG and Resource Book, Guardians of Order
  6. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 29, Sansa II.
  7. 7.0 7.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 20, Tyrion V.
  8. 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 65, Arya V.
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire.
  10. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 67, Sansa VI.
  11. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 27, Eddard VI.
  12. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 8, Jaime I.
  13. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 28, Bran IV.
  14. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 15, Tyrion III.
  15. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 29, Tyrion VII.
  16. 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 41, Tyrion IX.
  17. 17.0 17.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 3, Tyrion I.
  18. The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: Volantis.
  19. So Spake Martin: Geography, February 07, 1999
  20. 20.0 20.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 45, Eddard XII.
  21. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 8, Tyrion II.
  22. 22.0 22.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 38, Tyrion V.
  23. The World of Ice & Fire, The Free Cities: The Quarrelsome Daughters: Myr, Lys, and Tyrosh.
  24. The World of Ice & Fire, The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest.
  25. George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, King's Landing.
  26. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings.
  27. The World of Ice & Fire, The Targaryen Kings: Aegon I.
  28. It was not named the Great Sept of Baelor until after Baelor the Blessed's death.
  29. The Princess and the Queen.
  30. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 20, Eddard IV.
  31. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 30, Eddard VII.
  32. 32.0 32.1 A Game of Thrones, Chapter 49, Eddard XIV.
  33. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 51, Sansa IV.
  34. Bad parameter 1: "AOS" is not a recognized work
  35. A Game of Thrones, Chapter 69, Tyrion IX.
  36. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 2, Sansa I.
  37. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 17, Tyrion IV.
  38. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 49, Tyrion XI.
  39. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 59, Tyrion XIII.
  40. A Clash of Kings, Chapter 62, Sansa VII.
  41. 41.0 41.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 4, Tyrion I.
  42. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 60, Tyrion VIII.
  43. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 61, Sansa V.
  44. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 70, Tyrion X.
  45. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 77, Tyrion XI.
  46. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 12, Cersei III.
  47. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 4, Brienne I.
  48. A Feast for Crows, Chapter 43, Cersei X.
  49. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 22, Tyrion VI.
  50. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 65, Cersei II.
  51. A Storm of Swords, Chapter 62, Jaime VII.
  52. A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 38, The Watcher.