← Open Interactive Timeline Board

A Song of Ice and Fire / Westeros: Modern Frontiers & Breakthrough Innovations

Alternate Universes/5. High Fantasy & Dark Fantasy  •  Curated by Admin Timeline.sg

This timeline traces the real-world milestones of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, from its inception in the early 1990s through the global phenomenon of the Game of Thrones television adaptation, subsequent spin-offs, and ongoing cultural impact.

Chronological Storyline (42 Milestones)

Aug 1, 1991 CE

George R.R. Martin Begins Writing A Game of Thrones

George R.R. Martin starts work on the first novel of what would become the A Song of Ice and Fire series, initially envisioning a trilogy. #asoiaf #writing

Oct 1, 1993 CE

Martin Drafts Original Outline for the Series

Martin sends a three-page outline to his agent, outlining the plot of a planned trilogy. This early version differs significantly from the published novels. #asoiaf #history

Aug 1, 1996 CE

A Game of Thrones Published

The first novel in the series is published by Bantam Books, introducing the world of Westeros and its complex characters. It wins the Locus Award for Best Fantasy Novel. #asoiaf #books

Nov 16, 1998 CE

A Clash of Kings Published

The second volume expands the story, introducing new characters like Brienne and Stannis Baratheon. #asoiaf #books

Aug 8, 2000 CE

A Storm of Swords Published

The third novel is widely acclaimed for its shocking twists, including the Red Wedding. It wins the Locus and Hugo Awards. #asoiaf #books

Oct 17, 2005 CE

A Feast for Crows Published

The fourth book splits the narrative geographically, focusing on characters in King's Landing and the Riverlands. It receives mixed reviews but wins the British Fantasy Award. #asoiaf #books

Jan 1, 2007 CE

HBO Acquires Television Rights

HBO options the rights to adapt the series for television, with David Benioff and D.B. Weiss as showrunners. This marks the beginning of the franchise's expansion into mainstream pop culture. #gameofthrones #tv

Nov 3, 2009 CE

A Dance with Dragons Published

The fifth book, originally intended as part of the fourth, is released after a six-year wait, covering events across the Narrow Sea. #asoiaf #books

Mar 1, 2010 CE

Pilot Episode Filmed

The original pilot is filmed in Northern Ireland, but HBO orders reshoots and significant recasting (including Daenerys). This delays the series launch. #gameofthrones #tv )

Apr 17, 2011 CE

Game of Thrones TV Series Premieres

The first episode airs on HBO to critical acclaim, drawing record ratings for the network. The series becomes a global phenomenon. #gameofthrones #tv )

Jun 19, 2011 CE

Season 1 Finale Airs

The season ends with Daenerys hatching dragons, a moment that becomes iconic. The show wins numerous awards, including the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in 2012. #gameofthrones #tv )

Apr 1, 2012 CE

Season 2 Premieres

Based on A Clash of Kings, the season expands the scope and introduces Stannis and Brienne. #gameofthrones #tv )

Mar 31, 2013 CE

Season 3 Premieres

Based on the first half of A Storm of Swords, the season features the Red Wedding episode, which shocks audiences and becomes a cultural touchstone. #gameofthrones #tv )

Jun 9, 2013 CE

Season 3 Finale Airs

The finale includes Daenerys sacking Astapor, solidifying her as a major power player. #gameofthrones #tv )

Apr 6, 2014 CE

Season 4 Premieres

Continuing A Storm of Swords, the season includes the trial of Tyrion and the Battle of the Wall. It wins Emmys for Outstanding Drama Series. #gameofthrones #tv )

Dec 2, 2014 CE

The World of Ice and Fire Released

A companion book co-authored by Martin, Elio M. García Jr., and Linda Antonsson, detailing the history and lore of Westeros. #asoiaf #books #reference

Apr 12, 2015 CE

Season 5 Premieres

Based on A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons, the season introduces Dorne and begins to diverge significantly from the books. #gameofthrones #tv )

Jun 14, 2015 CE

Season 5 Finale Airs: Jon Snow's Fate

The episode ends with Jon Snow being stabbed by his brothers, sparking intense fan debate about his survival. #gameofthrones #tv )

Jan 2, 2016 CE

Three Novellas Published: The Tales of Dunk and Egg

Martin's prequel novellas are collected as A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, set a century before the main series. #asoiaf #books

Apr 24, 2016 CE

Season 6 Premieres

The first season to fully surpass the published books, with the showrunners crafting original storylines. Includes the revelation of Jon Snow's resurrection and Hodor's death. #gameofthrones #tv )

Jun 26, 2016 CE

Season 6 Finale: The Winds of Winter

The episode features Cersei's destruction of the Great Sept of Baelor and her coronation, as well as Jon declaring King in the North. #gameofthrones #tv )

Jul 16, 2017 CE

Season 7 Premieres

A shortened season of seven episodes, featuring the Dragonpit meeting and the fall of the Wall to the Night King. #gameofthrones #tv )

Aug 27, 2017 CE

Season 7 Finale: The Dragon and the Wolf

The season ends with the Night King destroying the Wall with Viserion, now an undead dragon. #gameofthrones #tv

Nov 20, 2018 CE

Fire & Blood Published

The first volume of a planned history of the Targaryen dynasty, covering from Aegon's Conquest to the Regency of Aegon III. #asoiaf #books )

Apr 14, 2019 CE

Season 8 Premieres

The final season begins with a six-episode run. The premiere sets up the final conflict with the White Walkers. #gameofthrones #tv )

Apr 28, 2019 CE

The Long Night Airs

The third episode features the Battle of Winterfell against the Night King, who is killed by Arya Stark. The episode is divisive due to its dark lighting and resolution. #gameofthrones #tv )

May 19, 2019 CE

Series Finale: The Iron Throne

The final episode concludes with Bran Stark crowned king and the kingdoms becoming independent. The finale receives polarized reviews from critics and fans. #gameofthrones #tv )

Jul 18, 2019 CE

George R.R. Martin Co-Writes Historical Novel 'Tuf Voyaging'

Martin's earlier sci-fi collection gets renewed attention, but he remains focused on completing The Winds of Winter. #asoiaf #author

George R.R. Martin Co-Writes Historical Novel 'Tuf Voyaging'
George R.R. Martin Co-Writes Historical Novel 'Tuf Voyaging'
By Gage Skidmore from Surprise, AZ, United States of America - George R. R. Martin, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=193207931
Mar 1, 2020 CE

The Winds of Winter Update: Martin Confirms Hundreds of Pages Written

In a blog post, Martin states he has written hundreds of pages of the long-awaited sixth book, but no release date is given. #asoiaf #books #waiting

Feb 23, 2021 CE

Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon Announced

HBO confirms a prequel series set 200 years before the main events, based on Fire & Blood. #gameofthrones #tv #prequel

Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon Announced
Game of Thrones: House of the Dragon Announced
By Unknown - Official webpage, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=122859764
May 1, 2021 CE

Martin Steps Back from Showrunners' Projects

Martin announces he is less involved in HBO spin-offs due to focus on writing The Winds of Winter. #asoiaf #author

Aug 21, 2022 CE

House of the Dragon Premieres

The prequel series debuts on HBO to strong viewership and critical praise, focusing on the Targaryen civil war known as the Dance of the Dragons. #gameofthrones #tv #houseofthedragon

Oct 23, 2022 CE

House of the Dragon Season 1 Finale

The season ends with the death of Lucerys Velaryon, triggering open war. The series is renewed for a second season. #gameofthrones #tv #houseofthedragon )

Apr 1, 2023 CE

Martin Co-Writes The Rise of the Dragon

A lavish illustrated history of the Targaryens written with Elio García and Linda Antonsson, released as a companion to House of the Dragon. #asoiaf #books

Oct 20, 2023 CE

Martin Teases The Winds of Winter Progress

On his blog, Martin says he has completed over 1,100 manuscript pages, with more to go. #asoiaf #books #waiting

Jun 16, 2024 CE

House of the Dragon Season 2 Premieres

The second season continues the Dance of the Dragons, featuring more dragons and battles. #gameofthrones #tv #houseofthedragon )

Aug 4, 2024 CE

House of the Dragon Season 2 Finale

The season ends with the Battle of the Gullet, setting up larger conflicts. #gameofthrones #tv #houseofthedragon )

Oct 1, 2024 CE

Martin Confirms He Has Not Finished The Winds of Winter

In a New Year's blog, Martin states the book is not complete, disappointing fans. #asoiaf #books #waiting

Jan 1, 2025 CE

The World of Ice and Fire 2nd Edition Announced

A new edition of the companion book is announced, with updated content including the later Targaryen history. #asoiaf #books

May 1, 2025 CE

Game of Thrones Reboot Rumors Surface

Reports suggest HBO may reboot the series or produce alternative sequels, though nothing is confirmed. #gameofthrones #tv

Sep 1, 2025 CE

Martin Releases Blood & Fire: A History of House Targaryen Vol. 2

The second volume of Fire & Blood is published, covering from the regency of Aegon III to the end of the Targaryen dynasty. #asoiaf #books )

2026 CE

The Winds of Winter Finally Published

After a decade-long wait, Martin releases the sixth book, tying up many storylines and preparing for the final volume. #asoiaf #books #milestone