In addition, Aegon raised up the Tullys to rule over the Riverlands, which had been under Ironborn occupation prior to his arrival. The Gardeners, Hoares, and Durrandons were slain and replaced by the Tyrells, Greyjoys and Baratheons respectively, while the Lannisters, Arryns, and Starks surrendered peacefully and were allowed to remain in control of their lands. During the Conquest these families were either destroyed and replaced, or defeated and made to swear allegiance to King Aegon, who reigned from the Iron Throne in King’s Landing. They exercise immense authority and power over their vassals and territories and are answerable only to the King of the Andals and the First Men.īefore the Targaryen Conquest, each of the Seven Kingdoms was ruled independently by a powerful royal family.

The Great Houses are the most powerful of the noble houses of the Seven Kingdoms.