The formation of the Seven Kingdoms is a significant chapter in the history of Westeros. It began with the arrival of the Andals around 6,000 years ago, who brought with them new customs, laws, and the Faith of the Seven. The Andals conquered much of Westeros, establishing their own kingdoms and influencing the culture and politics of the land.
The seven distinct kingdoms that emerged were the Kingdom of the North, the Kingdom of the Mountain and the Vale, the Kingdom of the Isles and Rivers, the Kingdom of the Rock, the Kingdom of the Stormlands, the Kingdom of the Reach, and the Principality of Dorne. Each kingdom was ruled by its own house and had its own traditions and history.
Despite the Andal influence, the North remained ruled by the First Men, with House Stark emerging as the dominant house. The Starks maintained their ancient customs and held Winterfell as their seat, ruling over the vast and harsh lands of the North.
Around 700 years before the conquest of Aegon the Conqueror, the Rhoynar, led by Princess Nymeria, fled the advancing Valyrians in Essos. Nymeria led her people across the Narrow Sea to Dorne, where they allied with House Martell.
Nymeria married Lord Mors Martell, uniting their forces and establishing House Martell as the ruling house of Dorne. The Rhoynish customs were integrated into Dornish culture, including equal rights for women in inheritance and leadership.
The arrival of the Rhoynar transformed Dorne, making it distinct from the other kingdoms of Westeros. Their influence can still be seen in the region's customs, laws, and culture.
One of the most notable conflicts in the North was the struggle between House Stark and House Bolton. The Boltons, known for their cruelty and ambition, had long been rivals of the Starks. Their seat, the Dreadfort, was infamous for its dark reputation.
The animosity between the two houses culminated in several brutal confrontations. However, House Stark ultimately triumphed, solidifying their rule over the North. The most recent victory occurred during the War of the Five Kings, when Jon Snow, a Stark by blood, led the forces of the North to reclaim Winterfell from Ramsay Bolton.
This victory restored Stark rule in the North and ended the Bolton threat, reaffirming the Starks' position as Wardens of the North and protectors of the ancient traditions of the First Men.