When is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms set? Game of Thrones timeline explained

Despite the original series having come to an end seven years ago in 2019, the Game of Thrones universe has never felt more busy.

Not only is prequel series House of the Dragon well underway, with a third season coming later this year, but a new addition to the franchise, A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, has also just debuted.

The new series, which has been warmly praised by author George RR Martin, is based on his Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. It introduces us to Ser Duncan the Tall — a hedge knight still finding his place in the world — and his sharp-witted young squire Egg, as the pair travel to a major tourney that will ultimately change both their lives.

Across its opening four episodes, the series has established a smaller-scale, character-driven story, beginning with Dunk burying his former mentor and striking out alone, before forming an unlikely partnership with Egg on the road to Ashford. What initially feels like a grounded tale of knighthood and honour soon pulls in powerful Targaryen princes, brutal rivalries and an ancient Trial of Seven, firmly rooting the show in Westerosi history while keeping the focus on its two central heroes.

As with House of the Dragon, fans should expect to encounter familiar family names rather than familiar faces. There are no returning Game of Thrones characters here, as the story is set in a markedly different period – and that will remain the case even in the already announced second season.

But just how does A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms fit into the wider timeline of George RR Martin’s world? Read on for a full guide to the show’s time period.

When is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms set on the Game of Thrones universe timeline?

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is set roughly a century before the first season of Game of Thrones, the award-winning series that launched the expanded fantasy franchise.

The events of the show — which adapt the first tale of Ser Dunk the Tall (played by Peter Claffey) and his young squire Egg (played by Dexter Sol Ansell) — take place around the year 209 After Conquest (AC).

AC denotes the pivotal moment when Aegon Targaryen conquered the Seven Kingdoms and unified the realm. As you might expect, the history of Westeros is complex and deeply layered, with around nine distinct eras documented across roughly 12,000 years of history in George RR Martin’s extensive lore.

By this point in the timeline, the Targaryens still sit the Iron Throne, but the dragons are long gone. The opening episodes reflect a realm that is largely at peace, where violence exists less in world-shaking wars and more in personal cruelty, power imbalances and rigid class divisions – themes that underpin Dunk’s clash with Prince Aerion Targaryen and lead to the dramatic Trial of Seven seen at the end of episode 4.

Below, we’ve ordered the HBO series by franchise chronology, alongside key events from the history of Westeros.

Here’s where A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms sits within the wider Westeros timeline:

• 101 to 131 AC - House of the Dragon season 1
• 132 to 133 AC - House of the Dragon season 2
• 209 AC - A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms
• 298 AC - Game of Thrones season 1
• 299 AC - Game of Thrones season 2
• 299 to 300 AC - Game of Thrones season 3
• 300 to 305 AC - Game of Thrones seasons 4-8

Why did HBO choose this era of Westerosi history to adapt?

Alongside writing five novels in the main A Song of Ice and Fire series, George RR Martin has also authored numerous prequel novellas and companion works, including The World of Ice & Fire, Fire & Blood and The Rise of the Dragon.

With roughly 12,000 years of detailed Westerosi history to draw from, HBO had no shortage of potential stories following the global success of Game of Thrones.

Yet despite announcing multiple spin-offs and prequels — from the Jon Snow sequel to projects centred on the Age of Heroes and Princess Nymeria — A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is only the second series, after House of the Dragon, to make it to screen.

So why this story? As the first four episodes have made clear, Dunk and Egg offer something refreshingly different. Their adventures strip Westeros back to muddy roads, smallfolk struggles and questions of what knighthood really means, rather than court politics or apocalyptic threats.

They’re also among George RR Martin’s personal favourite characters. The author has said he has "loved" what he’s seen so far, praising Claffey and Ansell as “just incredible” in the roles.

Set just over 90 years before Game of Thrones, the series captures a rare moment of relative stability in the realm – one that allows for a quieter, more hopeful story. It’s often considered Martin’s most warm-hearted corner of Westeros, and after years of betrayal, bloodshed and dragonfire, it’s a tone that feels very welcome indeed.

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms airs weekly on Sky and NOW. House of the Dragon seasons 1 and 2 are available to stream on Sky and NOW – find out more about how to sign up for Sky TV.

If you’re looking for something else to watch in the meantime, check out our TV Guide and Streaming Guide, or visit our dedicated Fantasy hub. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.