Game of Thrones: What Time Period?

2021-06-03

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The popular HBO series Game of Thrones has captivated audiences worldwide with its intricate plotlines, captivating characters, and stunning visuals. While the show is set in the fictional world of Westeros, it draws inspiration from real-world historical periods. This article explores the time period of Game of Thrones and discusses the influences that shaped its unique setting.

The show is set centuries before the events of the prequel series, House of the Dragon, which begins 200 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen. The main events of Game of Thrones occur during an era of turmoil and upheaval, following the death of King Robert Baratheon and the outbreak of a civil war among the noble houses of Westeros.

The time period of Game of Thrones is not explicitly stated in the show or books, but it is generally understood to be a pre-industrial medieval setting. The society of Westeros is largely feudal, with a rigid class structure and a high degree of violence and warfare. The technology and weapons used by the characters are similar to those of medieval Europe, and the costumes and architecture reflect a similar time period.

Game of Thrones: What Time Period?

Pre-industrial medieval setting
Feudal society
Rigid class structure
High degree of violence and warfare
Medieval European technology and weapons
Medieval-inspired costumes and architecture
Centuries before House of the Dragon

Pre-industrial medieval setting

The world of Game of Thrones is a pre-industrial medieval setting, meaning that it is set in a time before the Industrial Revolution. This is evident in the show's technology, weapons, and architecture. For example, the characters use swords, bows and arrows, and siege weapons, rather than guns or cannons. The buildings in Westeros are also medieval in style, with castles, keeps, and towers.

The society of Westeros is also feudal, with a rigid class structure. The nobility owns most of the land and power, while the common people are mostly peasants and serfs. There is a high degree of violence and warfare in Westeros, as the noble houses are constantly vying for power and territory.

The pre-industrial medieval setting of Game of Thrones helps to create a sense of realism and immersion for the viewer. It is a world that is both familiar and foreign, with elements that are both recognizable and fantastical. This setting allows the show to explore themes of power, ambition, and betrayal in a way that is both timeless and relevant.

Here are some specific examples of the pre-industrial medieval setting in Game of Thrones:

The characters use swords, bows and arrows, and siege weapons, rather than guns or cannons.
The buildings in Westeros are medieval in style, with castles, keeps, and towers.
The society of Westeros is feudal, with a rigid class structure.
There is a high degree of violence and warfare in Westeros, as the noble houses are constantly vying for power and territory.

Feudal society

The society of Westeros in Game of Thrones is feudal, meaning that it is based on a system of land ownership and social hierarchy. The nobility owns most of the land and power, while the common people are mostly peasants and serfs. The feudal system is maintained through a complex web of oaths, obligations, and privileges.

Nobility

The nobility is the ruling class of Westeros. They own most of the land and power, and they have the right to levy taxes and administer justice. The nobility is divided into several ranks, including dukes, earls, barons, and knights.
Peasants

The peasants are the common people of Westeros. They work the land and pay taxes to the nobility. Peasants have few rights and are often treated harshly by their lords.
Serfs

Serfs are bound to the land and cannot leave it without their lord's permission. They are considered property and can be bought and sold. Serfs are the lowest class in Westeros and have no rights.
The feudal system

The feudal system is a complex web of oaths, obligations, and privileges. The nobility owes fealty to the king, and the peasants owe fealty to the nobility. In return for their fealty, the nobility provides protection and justice to the peasants.

The feudal system in Game of Thrones is a major source of conflict and tension. The nobility is constantly vying for power and territory, and the peasants are often caught in the middle. The feudal system also leads to a great deal of inequality and injustice. The nobility enjoys a life of luxury and privilege, while the peasants live in poverty and oppression.

Rigid class structure

The society of Westeros in Game of Thrones has a rigid class structure. This means that there are clear and distinct social classes, and it is very difficult for people to move between classes. The nobility is at the top of the social hierarchy, followed by the knights, the common people, and the serfs. Each class has its own rights and privileges, and there are strict rules about who can interact with whom.

The rigid class structure in Westeros is a major source of conflict and tension. The nobility often looks down on the common people and serfs, and they are often unwilling to help them. The common people and serfs, in turn, resent the nobility for their wealth and privilege. This resentment can lead to violence and rebellion.

Here are some examples of the rigid class structure in Game of Thrones:

The nobility is the ruling class of Westeros. They own most of the land and power, and they have the right to levy taxes and administer justice.
The knights are the second-highest class in Westeros. They are sworn to protect the realm and the nobility.
The common people are the majority of the population of Westeros. They work the land, pay taxes, and serve in the military.
The serfs are the lowest class in Westeros. They are bound to the land and cannot leave it without their lord's permission.

The rigid class structure in Game of Thrones is a major obstacle to social mobility. It is very difficult for people to move up in the social hierarchy, and it is even more difficult for them to move down. This can lead to feelings of frustration and resentment, which can lead to violence and rebellion.

High degree of violence and warfare

Westeros is a violent and dangerous place. Warfare is a constant threat, and even in times of peace, violence is never far away. This is due to a number of factors, including the feudal system, the rigid class structure, and the lack of a strong central government.

The feudal system creates a culture of violence and warfare. The nobility is constantly vying for power and territory, and they are willing to use violence to achieve their goals. The common people are often caught in the middle of these conflicts, and they often suffer greatly as a result.

The rigid class structure also contributes to the high degree of violence in Westeros. The nobility is at the top of the social hierarchy, and they have the power to do whatever they want. The common people have no rights and are often treated harshly by the nobility. This can lead to resentment and violence.

The lack of a strong central government also contributes to the high degree of violence in Westeros. The king is supposed to be the supreme ruler of Westeros, but in reality, his power is limited. The nobility is very powerful, and they are often able to defy the king with impunity. This can lead to chaos and violence.

Here are some examples of the high degree of violence and warfare in Game of Thrones:

The War of the Five Kings is a major conflict that takes place in the first few seasons of Game of Thrones. This war is fought between five different noble houses, and it results in the deaths of thousands of people.
The Battle of the Blackwater is a major battle that takes place in the second season of Game of Thrones. This battle is fought between the forces of Stannis Baratheon and the forces of King's Landing. The battle is a bloody and brutal affair, and it results in the deaths of thousands of soldiers.
The Red Wedding is a major event that takes place in the third season of Game of Thrones. This event is a massacre of the Starks and their allies by the Freys and Boltons. The Red Wedding is a shocking and brutal event, and it results in the deaths of many major characters.

The high degree of violence and warfare in Game of Thrones is a major part of what makes the show so popular. It is a world where anything can happen, and where death is always just around the corner.

Medieval European technology and weapons

The technology and weapons used in Game of Thrones are based on those of medieval Europe. This is evident in the show's use of swords, bows and arrows, siege weapons, and armor. The characters in Game of Thrones also use a variety of other medieval technologies, such as windmills, watermills, and printing presses.

Swords

Swords are the most common weapon in Game of Thrones. They are used by both the nobility and the common people. Swords come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be made from different materials, such as steel, iron, and Valyrian steel.
Bows and arrows

Bows and arrows are another common weapon in Game of Thrones. They are used by both the nobility and the common people. Bows and arrows can be used to attack from a distance, and they are particularly effective against armored opponents.
Siege weapons

Siege weapons are used to attack castles and other fortified positions. Siege weapons can include catapults, trebuchets, and battering rams. Siege weapons are very powerful, and they can cause significant damage to enemy fortifications.
Armor

Armor is used to protect the wearer from enemy attacks. Armor can be made from a variety of materials, such as leather, metal, and bone. Armor can be very heavy and cumbersome, but it can also be very effective in protecting the wearer from injury.

The use of medieval European technology and weapons in Game of Thrones helps to create a sense of realism and immersion for the viewer. It is a world that is both familiar and foreign, with elements that are both recognizable and fantastical. This setting allows the show to explore themes of power, ambition, and betrayal in a way that is both timeless and relevant.

Medieval-inspired costumes and architecture

The costumes and architecture in Game of Thrones are heavily inspired by the Middle Ages. This is evident in the show's use of fur, leather, and other natural materials. The characters in Game of Thrones also wear a variety of medieval-inspired clothing, such as tunics, cloaks, and dresses. The architecture in Game of Thrones is also medieval-inspired, with castles, keeps, and towers.

The use of medieval-inspired costumes and architecture in Game of Thrones helps to create a sense of realism and immersion for the viewer. It is a world that is both familiar and foreign, with elements that are both recognizable and fantastical. This setting allows the show to explore themes of power, ambition, and betrayal in a way that is both timeless and relevant.

Here are some examples of the medieval-inspired costumes and architecture in Game of Thrones:

The characters in Game of Thrones wear a variety of medieval-inspired clothing, such as tunics, cloaks, and dresses. The clothing is often made from natural materials, such as fur, leather, and wool.
The architecture in Game of Thrones is also medieval-inspired, with castles, keeps, and towers. The buildings are often made from stone and wood, and they are often surrounded by walls and moats.
The costumes and architecture in Game of Thrones are not exact replicas of medieval clothing and architecture. However, they are heavily inspired by the Middle Ages, and they help to create a sense of realism and immersion for the viewer.

The medieval-inspired costumes and architecture in Game of Thrones are a major part of what makes the show so popular. They help to create a world that is both familiar and foreign, and they allow the show to explore themes of power, ambition, and betrayal in a way that is both timeless and relevant.

Centuries before House of the Dragon

The events of Game of Thrones take place centuries before the events of House of the Dragon. House of the Dragon is a prequel series that tells the story of the Targaryen civil war, which took place about 200 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen. Game of Thrones, on the other hand, takes place about 150 years after the Targaryen civil war.

The world of Westeros is a very different place in Game of Thrones than it is in House of the Dragon. The Targaryens are no longer the ruling dynasty, and the Seven Kingdoms are divided among several different noble houses. The world is also more technologically advanced in Game of Thrones, with the use of printing presses and other medieval technologies.

Despite the many differences between Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, there are also some important similarities. Both shows are set in the same world, and they both feature many of the same characters and locations. Game of Thrones also foreshadows some of the events that will take place in House of the Dragon, such as the birth of Daenerys Targaryen and the return of the White Walkers.

The fact that Game of Thrones takes place centuries before House of the Dragon gives the show a sense of history and depth. It allows the viewer to see how the world of Westeros has changed over time, and it also gives the show a sense of anticipation. The viewer knows that some of the events that will take place in House of the Dragon are foreshadowed in Game of Thrones, and this makes the viewer more invested in the story.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the time period of Game of Thrones:

Question 1: When does Game of Thrones take place?

Answer 1: Game of Thrones takes place centuries before the events of House of the Dragon, which is set about 200 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen. Game of Thrones, on the other hand, takes place about 150 years after the Targaryen civil war.

Question 2: What is the time period of Game of Thrones based on?

Answer 2: The time period of Game of Thrones is based on the Middle Ages. This is evident in the show's use of swords, bows and arrows, siege weapons, and armor. The characters in Game of Thrones also wear a variety of medieval-inspired clothing, such as tunics, cloaks, and dresses.

Question 3: Is the time period of Game of Thrones historically accurate?

Answer 3: The time period of Game of Thrones is not historically accurate. However, it is heavily inspired by the Middle Ages. The show's creators took some liberties with history in order to create a more dramatic and exciting story.

Question 4: What are some of the key differences between the time period of Game of Thrones and the Middle Ages?

Answer 4: Some of the key differences between the time period of Game of Thrones and the Middle Ages include the use of magic, the presence of dragons, and the lack of gunpowder weapons.

Question 5: How does the time period of Game of Thrones affect the story?

Answer 5: The time period of Game of Thrones has a significant impact on the story. It helps to create a sense of realism and immersion for the viewer. It also allows the show to explore themes of power, ambition, and betrayal in a way that is both timeless and relevant.

Question 6: What are some of the most interesting aspects of the time period of Game of Thrones?

Answer 6: Some of the most interesting aspects of the time period of Game of Thrones include the use of medieval technology and weapons, the rigid class structure, and the high degree of violence and warfare.

These are just a few of the frequently asked questions about the time period of Game of Thrones. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for understanding the time period of Game of Thrones:

Tips

Here are a few tips for understanding the time period of Game of Thrones:

Tip 1: Read the books. The books provide a lot more detail about the time period of Game of Thrones than the show does. The books also include a number of historical and cultural references that can help you to understand the setting of the story.

Tip 2: Watch the behind-the-scenes features. The behind-the-scenes features on the DVDs and Blu-rays of Game of Thrones include a lot of information about the time period of the show. The features often include interviews with the show's creators and historians.

Tip 3: Do some research online. There are a number of websites and articles that can provide you with more information about the time period of Game of Thrones. You can also find a lot of fan-created content online, such as timelines and maps.

Tip 4: Pay attention to the details. The time period of Game of Thrones is not explicitly stated in the show or books, but there are a number of clues that can help you to figure it out. Pay attention to the clothing, architecture, and technology that is used in the show. You can also pay attention to the historical and cultural references that are made.

By following these tips, you can gain a better understanding of the time period of Game of Thrones. This will help you to appreciate the show more and to understand the characters and their motivations.

The time period of Game of Thrones is a fascinating and complex one. It is a world that is both familiar and foreign, with elements that are both recognizable and fantastical. By understanding the time period of the show, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the story and the characters.

Conclusion

The time period of Game of Thrones is a complex and fascinating one. It is a world that is both familiar and foreign, with elements that are both recognizable and fantastical. The show's creators have drawn inspiration from a variety of historical periods, but they have also created a unique and original setting.

The time period of Game of Thrones has a significant impact on the story. It helps to create a sense of realism and immersion for the viewer. It also allows the show to explore themes of power, ambition, and betrayal in a way that is both timeless and relevant.

Here is a summary of the main points about the time period of Game of Thrones:

The show is set in a pre-industrial medieval setting.
The society of Westeros is feudal, with a rigid class structure.
There is a high degree of violence and warfare in Westeros.
The technology and weapons used in the show are based on those of medieval Europe.
The costumes and architecture in the show are also medieval-inspired.
The events of Game of Thrones take place centuries before the events of House of the Dragon.

The time period of Game of Thrones is a major part of what makes the show so popular. It is a world that is both familiar and foreign, and it allows the show to explore themes of power, ambition, and betrayal in a way that is both timeless and relevant.

Whether you are a fan of the show or not, I encourage you to learn more about the time period of Game of Thrones. It is a fascinating and complex world that is sure to captivate your imagination.