The 10 most significant kings to rule Westeros

8. Viserys I Targaryen (103 AC – 129 AC)

Viserys was the fifth Targaryen to sit the Iron Throne and had the unfortunate responsibility of following the reign of his grandfather Jaehaerys I, known as Jaehaerys the Wise. He did a good job of stepping into the role, continuing the peace and prosperity of his predecessor and bringing House Targaryen to its highest point since the Doom of Valyria.

His first marriage bore him no sons and his wife Aemma Arryn died in childbirth. Viserys named his daughter Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen as his heir, which would lead to disaster after his death when his son by his second wife Alicent Hightower contested her claim. Rhaenyra would command her own devoted following, and soon the kingdom was split between those loyal to her and those to her half-brother Aegon. This would lead to the civil war the Dance of the Dragons, which HBO will dramatize in its Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon.

While Viserys I was a good king, it must be remembered that he inherited much from his predecessor. This included a bountiful treasury and the love of his people, making it perhaps difficult to truly judge his abilities as a monarch. Despite much to positively remember him for, his role in creating the conditions for the Dance of the Dragons will always be a black mark against him.