Robert’s Rebellion takes place before the events of Game of Thrones, but it has a huge impact on everything that unfolds in the hit fantasy series. Robert Baratheon isn’t around very long in Game of Thrones, but his death sets off a chain of events that leads to war between the Starks and the Lannisters. And this isn’t the only time Robert Baratheon causes upheaval in Westeros. The reason he’s king in Game of Thrones season 1 is because he takes the Iron Throne from the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen, during a civil war dubbed Robert’s Rebellion.

Robert’s Rebellion is referenced throughout the HBO show, as it’s the reason Daenerys and her brother grow up exiled in Pentos. It’s also why Robert and Cersei reign over Westeros, and it’s largely because of characters like Ned and Jaime that their side of the conflict succeeds. But while Game of Thrones touches on this major event, it doesn’t go as deeply into it as George R.R. Martin’s books. The show’s allusions to Robert’s Rebellion may leave viewers wondering when it took place and how it played out.

How Long Before Game Of Thrones Does Robert’s Rebellion Take Place?

It Starts 16 Years Before Game Of Thrones Begins

Robert has been King of the Seven Kingdoms for some time when Game of Thrones opens, and he and Ned discuss their rebellion as if it happened a while ago. According to Martin’s source material, Robert’s Rebellion begins in 282 AC and lasts about a year. This sets it around 16 years prior to Game of Thrones, which picks up in 298 AC. This fits with the characters’ ages in the books, as Jon is a baby when Robert takes the throne, and Daenerys is born shortly after. They’re both in their early teens when the main story begins.

The show’s timeline may be slightly off, as characters like Jon and Daenerys are aged up in HBO’s adaptation. Still, given that Jon is born around the time Robert takes the Iron Throne — and he’s 16 when the TV series kicks off — we can assume there are about 17 years between the beginning of Robert’s Rebellion and the start of season 1. After all, Jon is born at the very end of the uprising.

What Caused Robert’s Rebellion

Robert Believed Lyanna Stark Was Kidnapped By Rhaegar Targaryen

Robert’s Rebellion is caused by the alleged kidnapping of Lyanna Stark, to whom Robert Baratheon is betrothed. While it’s later revealed that Lyanna went with Rhaegar willingly, the Great Houses of Westeros believe he abducted her. Brandon Stark attempts to kill Rhaegar and retrieve her, which results in both himself and Ned’s father, Rickard, being killed by King Aerys II. When the Mad King demands the heads of Ned and Robert Baratheon as well, Jon Arryn chooses war over handing them over.

The Great Houses resent the fact that Aegon the Conqueror took Westeros with the power of his dragons.

These are the official events that lead to Robert’s Rebellion, but the tensions between the Great Houses of Westeros and House Targaryen predate Lyanna’s kidnapping. The Great Houses resent the fact that Aegon the Conqueror took Westeros with the power of his dragons, and the dwindling number of dragons makes it increasingly difficult for House Targaryen to maintain its influence over time (via CBR). King Aerys II also burns bridges during his reign, most notably with Tywin Lannister, who serves as his Hand of the King before stepping down.

Tywin’s resignation stems from King Aerys II appointing Jaime to the Kingsguard — a position that prevents him from being Tywin’s heir and continuing the Lannister line. Tywin isn’t the only person affronted by the Mad King, either, and this contributes to the support for Robert’s uprising against him.

Who Were The Main Characters On Robert’s Side In The Rebellion

The Starks, Lannisters, Baratheons, Arryns, & Tullys Side With Robert

Several recognizable Houses support Robert during Robert’s Rebellion, including the Starks, Barratheons, Tullys, and part of House Arryn. The Lannisters also join the conflict on Robert’s side, but only after he’s likely to win. It’s no surprise these Houses are allied during this conflict, as the relationships and alliances at the beginning of Game of Thrones point to that. The Lannisters and Baratheons reign over the kingdom together, and Robert chooses John Arryn, then Ned, to be his Hand of the King.

Game of Thrones also mentions Jaime’s role in Robert’s Rebellion many times, as betraying and killing King Aerys II earns him the nickname Kingslayer. We know Tywin and Ned back Robert’s claim to the Iron Throne, and Jon Arryn is obviously the one who declares war. There are a few noteworthy characters who remain loyal to the Targaryens during this conflict, though.

Who Were The Main Characters On The Mad King’s Side In The Rebellion

The Tyrells, Tarlys, & Martells Remain Loyal To House Targaryen

While many of the major Houses from Game of Thrones take Robert’s side against King Aerys II, there are a few noteworthy families who remain loyal to the Targaryens. These include the Tyrells, the Tarlys, and the Martells, all of whom are major players in Game of Thrones. Mace Tyrell fights for the Mad King, and he prides himself as being responsible for Robert’s defeat at the Battle of Ashford — though it’s later suggested that Randyll Tarly has more to do with this than Mace.

The Targaryens can easily retaliate if the Martells choose to move against them.

The Martells’ loyalty to the Mad King makes sense given that Princess Elia is Rhaegar’s wife and residing at the Red Keep at the time of the uprising. The Targaryens can easily retaliate if the Martells choose to move against them. In fact, King Aerys II threatens to. Of course, any efforts to protect Elia are for naught. The Mountain kills Elia and her children on Tywin Lannister’s orders, which is the very reason Oberyn Martell despises his House in Game of Thrones.

The Biggest Battles & Events Of Robert’s Rebellion

The Taking Of Gulltown, Battle Of The Trident, & Sack Of King’s Landing Are Pivotal

There are numerous battles that take place during Robert’s Rebellion, but only the biggest get attention. These include the Taking of Gulltown, the Battles at Summerhall, the Battle of Ashford, the Battle of the Bells, the Battle of the Trident, the Battle at the Mander, and the Sack of King’s Landing (via A Wiki of Ice and Fire). The Taking of Gulltown kicks off the war in the Vale of Arryn, while the Sack of King’s Landing is the final fight during which Jaime kills King Aerys II Targaryen.

While these are the opening and closing battles of Robert’s Rebellion, the others are also incredibly significant. The Battle of Ashford marks Robert Baratheon’s only defeat, while the Battles at Summerhall see him winning three conflicts in a single day. The Battle of the Trident also serves as a turning point during Robert’s Rebellion, as it’s when Rhaegar Targaryen dies at the hands of Robert Baratheon and the Targaryen forces realize they’ve lost.

How Robert’s Rebellion Ended

Jaime Lannister Kills King Aerys II Targaryen

The Sack of King’s Landing is considered the final battle of Robert’s Rebellion, as it’s when the rebel forces take King’s Landing and defeat the Mad King. Robert vows to take the Iron Throne before this, but he’s not present when the city is sacked, as he’s wounded during the Battle of the Trident. Ned Stark leads his army to the Red Keep in his stead, intending to take on the Mad King’s remaining forces. This is when Tywin Lannister finally chooses a side, arriving with 12,000 soldiers and faking loyalty to the king before sacking the city.

Realizing his defeat is inevitable, the Mad King orders his men to use wildfire to burn King’s Landing — a development that Game of Thrones fans will no doubt recall. He also commands Jaime to kill his father. These demands lead Jaime to turn on the king despite his sworn oath. He kills the Mad King and hands the city to Ned Stark. Robert arrives later to claim the Iron Throne, though there are still several sieges to end and battles to win before Robert’s Rebellion is over for good.

The Truth Of Robert’s Rebellion Wasn’t Revealed Until Game Of Thrones

As Bran Says, It “Was Built On A Lie”

Robert’s Rebellion is heavily attributed to Rhaegar’s kidnapping of Lyanna, and the truth about this incident doesn’t come out until Game of Thrones season 6. This is when Bran learns that Rhaegar never kidnapped or raped Lyanna; in fact, he loved and married her. She later gave birth to Jon, a secret Ned takes to the grave with him. And this realization causes Bran to admit that Robert’s Rebellion is “built on a lie.”

Although Robert’s reasons for going to war aren’t true, the Mad King does need to be removed.

Of course, Robert’s uprising isn’t entirely unfounded. Although Robert’s reasons for going to war aren’t true, the Mad King does need to be removed. The Great Houses of Westeros are unhappy with his leadership, and his willingness to burn King’s Landing to the ground proves he’s unfit to rule. This makes Robert’s Rebellion more justified, even if Game of Thrones challenges the catalyst for it.

Source: CBR, A Wiki of Ice and Fire