The latest episode of House of the Dragon Season 3 has provided a long-sought answer to a question left unaddressed by Game of Thrones: how exactly did the region of Dorne manage to resist Aegon the Conqueror during his initial invasion of the Seven Kingdoms?

During episode 5, a conversation between Ormund Hightower and Daeron Targaryen sheds light on the historical conflict. Ormund details the leadership of Meria Martell, the ruling Princess of Dorne during the conquest. Despite being elderly and blind, Meria orchestrated a defense that defied the overwhelming power of the Targaryen dragons.

The Strategy of the Martells

As Ormund explains, Meria Martell refused to submit to Aegon, Rhaenys, and Visenya, famously stating she would rather see her people perish than live as slaves to the Targaryen dynasty. Her success relied on unconventional warfare rather than traditional direct combat:

  • Poisoned Resources: Meria ordered the poisoning of wells to deny the invaders water.
  • Guerrilla Tactics: Dornish forces were hidden within the desert sands, emerging only after the Targaryens believed the region was pacified.
  • Strategic Retreat: By abandoning castles, the Martells allowed the Targaryens to believe they were victorious, only to strike back against the invaders in their sleep.

This resistance lasted for years, with active warfare continuing until Meria’s death 13 years after the initial conquest, at which point peace negotiations finally began.

Political and Tactical Echoes

The significance of these tactics extends beyond history in the current season. Ormund Hightower is shown utilizing a similar psychological approach to challenge Rhaenyra and the Black Council. By using unknown agents to sow distrust and fear, he aims to weaken the Council from within rather than relying solely on open warfare.

The influence of these tactics is also visible in the actions of Ser Criston Cole. As a native of Dorne, Cole is seen in the opening of episode 5 employing the same guerrilla-style night ambushes against the Rivermen. His refusal to act as a puppet for the Targaryen nobles reflects the independent spirit associated with the Martell motto, "Unbowed, Unbent, Unbroken," suggesting that the tactics of the desert kingdom are becoming a central theme in the ongoing conflict between the Greens and the Blacks.