Blackwater Bay

Blackwater Bay is a great bay on the eastern coast of Westeros, opening onto the Narrow Sea, upon whose northern shore stands King's Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms. It is one of the most strategically vital waters in the realm.

Geography

The bay is fed by the Blackwater Rush, which empties into it at King's Landing. The island of Dragonstone, ancestral seat of House Targaryen in Westeros, guards its mouth, and the smaller seats of Driftmark, home of House Velaryon, and Claw Isle lie within or near its waters. The bay gives the capital its access to sea trade and naval defense.

Strategic Importance

Control of Blackwater Bay means control of the sea approach to King's Landing. The royal fleet and the ships of the Velaryons and other crownland houses patrol its waters. During the War of the Five Kings, Stannis Baratheon crossed the bay from Dragonstone to launch his assault on the capital, which ended in the fiery Battle of the Blackwater.

History

Aegon the Conqueror first landed at the mouth of the Blackwater Rush on the shore of the bay, choosing the site for the fort that became King's Landing. Ever since, the bay has been the maritime heart of the Crownlands and the seat of Targaryen and later royal power.