Summary
Old Volantis is only briefly visited inGame of Thrones, despite being one of the most powerful and populous Free Cities. Founded shortly after the destruction of the Old Empire of Ghis, it was established to protect the borders of the Freehold. Initially inhabited by soldiers only, it began to expand after the first hundred years of its existence, growing from a military outpost to a thriving city. Afterthe Doom of Valyria, it attempted to overthrow the remaining colonies, resulting in a series of wars known as the Century of Blood. It was eventually defeated afterAegon I Targaryen, Lord of Dragonstone, entered the conflict with his dragons. As Ser Jorah states:
Volantis is the oldest, the first colony of Valyria. After the Doom, the Volantenes tried to rebuild the empire under their rule. They failed […] Now they are content to dominate only their lower classes, or so they say.
After the war, the city came under the control of traders and merchants, who have ruled it ever since. It still remains a freehold, with its people described as “a strange and subtle folk”. Its culture is rooted in the practices of Old Valyria, even though Quentyn Martell believed that “the Volantene apple had rolled a fair distance from the Valyrian tree”. A few notable Volantenes fromGame of Thronesinclude Talisa Stark and Kinvara, the High Priestess of the Red Temple.
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Where Is Old Volantis?
Located to the east of Westeros, Volantis lies onthe south coast of Essos— more specifically, across one of the four mouths of the Rhoyne River that meets the Summer Sea. Thus, it is in control of the river as far as the tributary river Selhoru, as well as the Orange Shore in the west. It is on the opposite side of the region fromthe city of Braavos, which lies on the north coast of Essos. Pentos is also located somewhere to the city’s northwest.
Year of founding
700 BC
Honors (Copper, Bronze, Silver and Gold)
The Lord of Light, The Gods of Old Valyria
Colonies
Selhorys, Valysar, Volon Therys, Unnamed Town, Sar Mell (now a ruined city), Sarhoy (now a ruined city), Myr (formerly), Lys (formerly)
To the north is the river Volaena, and the cities Selhorys, Valysar and Volon Therys are to the northeast of Volantis. TheDothraki Sea is also to the northeast(making the city vulnerable to passing raids), as well as the ruins of Sar Mell. The abandoned Valyrian peninsula is located in the southeast, whereas the Disputed Lands are located west of the city.
As the southernmost of the Free Cities, it is the closest to Slaver’s Bay on the other side of the Valyrian peninsula (1900 miles east of whereDaenerys Targaryen ruled in Meereen). Hence, it is a gateway for travelers between the two regions. The land route (often called ‘demon road’), is quite dangerous — which is why trade and travel is mostly done by sea. Similar to Norvos, the city comprises two parts (divided by the Rhoyne), of which the eastern side is known as Old Volantis.
Old Volantis Characteristics
Considering its geographical position, the city generally has a hot and humid climate. Despite the sea breezes, the “sullen wet heat” in the streets and alleys can make a man drown in his own sweat (at least in Old Volantis). There is also a pungent smell in the air, of fish, flowers and elephant dung — or a mixture of something sweet and earthy as well as dead and rotten (like “an old whore”, as Tyrion Lannister eloquently describes it).
The harbor is supposedly deep enough for the hundred isles of Braavos to be submerged inside. Generally, the ports and wharves on the side of Old Volantis are superior and much more well-maintained, compared to those in the western district.
The eastern and western factions of the city are connected by the Long Bridge across the mouth of the Rhoyne. The bridge’s gateway from Old Volantis is an arch of black stone that is carved with dragons, manticores, sphinxes and other creatures. Supported by massive piers, the bridge is covered in rows of buildings, brothels, inns, markets and taverns. The roadway is only wide enough for two carts to pass side-by-side. The hands of thieves and heads of executed criminals are displayed in the center of the bridge, along with signs detailing their crimes.
Old Volantis is surrounded by the two hundred feet-high Black Walls, which were built of fused dragonstone by the Valyrian Freehold. They are wide enough for six four-horse chariots to race around its top abreast (which is done every year to celebrate the city’s founding anniversary). Notable places in the eastern city include the Palace of the Triarchs, a colossal monolith of marble and fused dragonstone that is guarded by the tiger cloaks (slave soldiers); the Tiger Den (the headquarters of the political party of Tigers); the Elephant Hall (the building of the party of Elephants); the Temples of Old Valyria; and the Temple ofthe Lord of Light, which is guarded by a private army known as the Fiery Hand. The latter is said to be almost three times the size ofthe Great Sept of Baelorin King’s Landing.
The city is ruled by three triarchs, who are elected annually. The candidates must prove that they are of Old Blood (noble families with unbroken descent from old Valyria). Only those of the Old Blood are allowed to live within the Black Walls, whereas foreigners, freedmen and slaves are not permitted (unless invited). Volantis also happens to be a key player in the slave market, making it one of the richest Free Cities (second only to Braavos). Each free man has five slaves, and it is a custom to have the slaves’ faces tattooed to mark their status.
Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones, based on the Song of Ice and Fire book series by George R.R. Martin, tells the sprawling story of warring families in Westeros. This includes the Starks, the Lannisters, the Baratheons, and the Targaryens. Along with human conflicts, Westeros is also threatened by the re-emergence of dragons, and an undead enemy from beyond the Wall.
