The fact that one can analyse the geopolitics of Westeros and make logical conclusions based on that just adds to George RR Martins attention to detail and intellect
Or it shows how great fans are in interpreting fictional work and spinning their own fan theories. I am sure he would even be able to make a geopolitical video about Harry Potter or Star Wars if he wanted to.
EXACTLY. I clicked on my update icon and read 'caspian report - Game of thrones' and my brain instantly went "Nah you saw that wrong. Must be a new screen junkies video or something" :-D
@@DarkHarlequin or we could all form a petition for to raise awareness or fundraising to make GRRM to agree to make a total war game like warhammer TW, abd new books not just two last books but new books like Eliss Farman's adventure and dance of dragons.
Geopolitics is an underestimated force. There's a lot of historians who don't actually understand how it works and use it to give flimsy theories a foundation. This video on the other hand was very satisfying. You could present it a bit better but from a mere logical point of view I couldn't find any faults. I thoroughly enjoyed watching and I'd like if someone picked up the idea and did other fantasy worlds.
Got seems like an exception, since grrm has put over 20 years of time into the series, which means that the world has had an a lot of time to develop extreme detail, wether it be geography, religion, history or myth
I was thinking of watching them all again but it's such a time commitment. I remember all the personalities but forget or never even understood the politics. Honestly, I feel caught up.
@@darrenblack5541 If you read the books you'll notice that George RR Martin specifically states that scenes may happen weeks, months, or even years apart. There's no teleportation or supersonic ravens, it's just that the story is not presented in a linear manner. And that's quite common in fiction. Authors tend to skip 6 days of uneventful travel, or people hold up in a castle for a month when nothing interesting happens.
@@firespur The books hold merit as well, and are arguably better than the mess of the show, which if you did not know is an adaptation of the books, so I don't exactly see how this suggestion has no correlation whatsoever with what he said.
Kavi Sugiharto Weber The show is product of time restraints, monetary restraints and other human limitations. The books are a product of one man’s imagination. A person’s imagination is pretty much infinite, a producer’s and screenwriter’s budget and time are not. The shows may not live up to a man’s imagination, but they do add up to one of the greatest TV shows that has ever graced our televisions. I say this as a book reader and as an actor.
11:25 The Lannister gold mines being depleted was an invention of the show. According to G.R.R.M, they are still active in the books, and the Lannisters are still the richest house in Westeros.
Actually, this would be fairly common knowledge for the upper class of Westeros, especially leaders. They *need* to know geopolitics so they can do anything successfully in war, and trade and alliance would be governed by this as well. You don't try to instruct politicians on politics. It's like an artist that doesn't know how to properly hold a pencil. If they don't know it, there's no point in trying to instruct them as they're spelling out their own doom.
The Seneschalk or Bailey. Remembers all the houses of the 7 Kingdoms, announces everyone when they enter the King's Hall on the formal meetings. Runs a small army of Paiges in Kings errands.
@@gone41214 nevertheless, kings and rulers had advisors, ever since they exist. Nobody knows everything and inheriting the throne does not make you a strategic genius, nor does it make you an idiot. They need advisors.
one more super interesting note: Geopolitics can be discovered at deeper levels in the books. For example: The house in the Iron Islands that is tolerant of the faith and westeros and sides with Asha (who clearly wants to settle for peace as opposed to Victarion) because their lands have benefited a lot from the trade whereas other (rebel) islands didn't.
It is not as near as interesting after the Free Cities- the lands generally either stay apart or constantly fend off old enemies like the three cities on the roads through the Bone Mountains. Until Daenerys shook up the slaver cities, nothing much had happenned since the Century of Blood
Well the Ghiscari cities have geopolitic to, they live in an landscape where the slave trade is pretty much their economy due to the dry lands, we have the Dotraki fking everyone around them and destroying knowleadge thus some cities adapted to defend them. Not to mention places like the Golden Empire of Yi Ti are extremly interesting, we know lot less but it's more than enough to make a similar video
Outstanding! Two of my favorites combine: Game of Thrones and Caspian Report. Very well done, my friend. Please keep the outstanding videos coming and God bless you, my friend!
If GOT is good enough for BazBattles and Kings and Generals, why not CaspianReport? I mean, really, GRRM created the most realistic fantasy setting ever.
Nah mate, just the most popular. Take it from a lifelong fantasy nerd, there are better world builders out there. Check out Erikson's 'Malazan book of the Fallen', or an equally impressive 'The Gentlemans bastards' by Scott Lynch. I'd rate both over Got.
Oh my god. This is amazing... What happens when my favorite geopolitical analyst meets my favorite peace of fiction? pure genius. Thank you for this masterpiece!
Well I'm pretty sure that the first men are a parallel to the Celts and that the Andals are the Anglo-Saxons, so you can think of yourself as a Stark if you would prefer? It doesn't help that HBO keeps casting people with Scottish accents as wildlings of course.
This was pretty cool! I've never really been into GoT but I've always liked the idea of analyzing the geopolitics of fictional worlds and countries. I'd love to see one of these for Avatar The Last Airbender or The Legend of Korra!
Shirvan, it’s not true that the Lannister gold mines are drying up, that’s some fanfic from the show. They explain that they’re still remains plenty of gold veins that are still untouched in Casterly Rock alone.
@James Gravil Tywin wants to be on top, after seeing how weak his father was and how insane his friend Aerys was becoming on the throne, not to mention the numerous insults endured, including Aerys refusing to wed Cersei and Rheagar. He is driven not to be anyone's servant.
As a great fan of Game of Thrones, and a Law student who definetily loves politics, I can’t spare cheers on this video. Just spectacular analysis I would never be able to do neither close to, with my current knowledge. Subscribed!
There is a pretty decent Crusader Kings 2 mod for GoT. But it does lack a bit of the geopolitcal side, since the game focuses more on characters and warfare than resources etc.
I love your channel and have been pleasantly surprised by this, I have always found the geopolitics of the ASOIF universe fascinating and have been obsessed with it for over a decade, but I never thought that a channel like yours would tie it together to wonderfully. Sharing this to all my friends!
The Dragons aren't useless, season 7 spoilers ahead, as demonstrated in the episode "Spoils of War". If you lead an enemy army out into the open, they're toast.
Dragons are fucking insane. They’re ridiculously OP. You basically don’t need armies if you have a couple of them. (See the Targaryen conquest of Westeros)
18:07 Winters lasting twice as long as summers. Never heard that before. I thought seasons are just irregular. Never does it say Winters last twice as long as summers.
Thank you shirvan, your video helped in getting in the mood for the final season, which I was struggling with, since the last 3 seasons nearly made me giving up on the show.
When I look at the maps of Westeros I feel that its huge size is always underestimated. It must be at least the size of South America from the Wall to Dorne. Maybe even Africa if we include whatever lies north of the wall. The Summer Islands obviously lie on the equator of the planet considering the spices they can grow which makes me think there has to be at least another continent to the south of it that may rival Westeros in size
A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one. I'd just clarify that the Crown (Lannisters) is in debt to the Lannisters and the Iron bank, so half of the debt is not concerning for the Crown. Also, in the books the mines did not run dry but the mining operations were halted by Stark raiding.
Shirvan, I have been an avid follower of yours for 4 years. I love the seriousness, objectivity and amount of thought you put into each report. But I must say this is such a pleasant surprise!
If world building is your game you should buy a copy of a world of ice and fire. It's like a massive book about westrosi/essosi politics current and historical and all of it is cannon
I never thought that Shirvan is a game of thrones nerd! I love this channel, so glad I came across your channel two years ago and watched it grow. keep up the good work.
Game of Thrones is very loosely based on England during the War of the Roses. George read the book The Sunne in Splendour by Margaret Kay Pennam when doing his research. She actually has a short story in one of his collections. If you read the book you will see a lot of GoT characters. The Starks are the Yorks , the Lannisters are the Lancasters. The people north of the wall are the Scots. There is a mad king in the Sunne in Splendour and you can see Cersei in his French Queen. Very good historical fiction novel.
Its true most history and events are based on English history. However, Westeros represent all Europe, from Spain to Russia, something which is usually forgotten and that was confirmed by George Martin himself. I repeat most of history and is based on Britain and mostly English history, the geopolitical is from all over europe, wich, in my opinion is obvious and the analogies many. For example, Dorne. And i can tell about this cuz im from Spain and i can see it clearly, i supose is the same with other countries in europe. Dorne is "based" on medieval spain, of course some aspects are different or exagerated. At first, its a land way more dryer and arid than the rest of Westeros and has the only desert in it, literally as Spain does in respect of the rest of Europe. The obvious eastern and moorish influence and inspiration in Dorne is another point, as Spain was home to numerous islam states and people for over 800 years. The Red mountains at the west of Dorne and the dornish marches are another analogy to the Reconquista, a constant struggle and war or skirmish. Also the cristian kingdoms in Spain were homed by numerous mountains, just as the Dorne marches lords do. Because, you see, if you flip Westeros map 90° right, it will match "grosso modo" with all Europe, and each kingdom will match with the region they are based on. The north, huge and cold, would be in the east and it would be Russia. The Iron island would be just to west from there and, obviously they match with the norsemen from XIII-XI centuries. Westerlands, rich and the usual victims of the ironborn, would be based of England or great britain although in my opinion it would be england. The Reach, most populated and fertile land in Westeros, would be France, Riverlands, also as plain fertile and quite populated, although i personally have my doubst, based of the cultural inspirations and geographical situation, it would be germany and/or netherlands. Dorne, vastly empty and dry yet rich would be Iberian Peninsula. The vale amd Stormlands, and here is were probably this theory (although i repeat George Martin said they were based on the regions from all over europe) falls apart. The vale could be Italy, north Italy and the alps, aswell as southern Germany, while the Stormland could be the balkans, but this is just for geography and the storms. So, if you got here reading all this, shit dude, wow. You deserve a prize or something my dude. Im sorry i put u all this if you readed all so have a good night and thanks, i guess. Take care.
Great video! Very helpful! Question though...How are there only 4 million people in the very fertile riverlands. Based on its strategic location , land size etc It should have more people than the Westerlands and certainly more than The North and The Vale!
This was quite interesting actually. When i saw the title i thought oh no another game of thrones related video but the quality of your research is always top class Shirvan. Thanks for such great content!
A wonderful idea, Shirwan! I have thoroughly enjoyed it. :) Without doubt yours is the best geopolitical oriented channel out there. Thank you for all your work!
Game of Thrones is like a combination between War of the Roses historical events, and William Shakespeare's macbeth and Richard the third, and Lord of The Rings. GRRMARTIN is William Shakespeare of our time.
When this came up on my feed, I thought it was a video from an alternate dimension. Having watched it, I commend you. As usual you did solid work explaining the relationships between geographies, sovereigns, historical conflicts and future strife.
Shivan, you have to do more of these TV shows / gaming geopolitics episodes along with your usual high quality stuff. It'll introduce a new audience to your channel!
Good analysis! Glad you looked at this aspect of GOT. It is always an important & consistent consideration in this series but rarely sited as motivating factors in the show. Dragons & battles take center stage, and rightly so. Action scenes of geopolitics aren't likely to bring in number of fans battalion size fights do.
Ok, this is incredible. Thank you. As an avid ficcionated reader of George`s works, I loved this. edit: Why there are no ports on the western shore of the North: Iron Island and Wildling raids. EVery time the starks tried, eventually the Greyjoys burned it.
Hahaha, i fell off my chair laughing when i saw this in my feed, i always thought that u only did real-life geopolitics, i dont complain, just, how do i put this….. Unexpected, great vid anyway
Lol why the coughing sound effects amongst discussion of the citadel? Found that a bit out of place. Absolutely wonderful video, that part just compelled me to comment
The crown lands were not disputed by The KIngdom of the Reach in the time immediately preceding the arrival of the first Targaryen king, but were disputed between The Storm Kingdom which was ruled at that time by House Durrandon (the region now ruled by House Baratheon) and The Kingdom of the Islands and Rivers (now divided into two regions). The Royal house of The Reach at the time were not the Tyrells but the now extinct house Gardener, the house Hoare also became extinct (royal family of The Kingdom of the Islands and Rivers), House Durrandon was unified with house Baratheon. The extinctions of this great houses happened in the war of invasion cause by Aegon 1st Targaryen.
I will always recommend the books but I think the show is still good, watch it and make up your own mind. The first 4 seasons mostly followed books 1-3 and season 5 very loosely followed books 4 and 5, after that it's made up with George's ending to the series in mind.
Grischu it’s not bad it’s incredible with all the visuals and money put into it, there is entertainment but people just don’t like the writing and logic after season 5 because the show passes the books. I’d say if you are not a reader go for the show, it could really get you hooked. Then read the books at your will if you want a richer and more interesting writing, logic, character motivations and Storylines. Because the books have so much more info and story.
The gold mines running out in Casterly Rock is an entirely show-based detail and has not been proven or even implied in the novels, so I would be VERY careful in stating the gold mines are stripped clean. The original GOT show went into non-canon territory after a fashion since a certain someone hasn't finished writing the novels...
CaspianReport: how do you like my new Geopolitics of Game of Thrones vid? Viewers: aw yea nice, i like these new alternate reality CaspianReport: dont fricking say that Templin institute:DID I HEAR ALTERNATE REALITY THAT SHIT IS MINE
The fact that one can analyse the geopolitics of Westeros and make logical conclusions based on that just adds to George RR Martins attention to detail and intellect
Or it shows how great fans are in interpreting fictional work and spinning their own fan theories. I am sure he would even be able to make a geopolitical video about Harry Potter or Star Wars if he wanted to.
@@Weltenbastler2000 if you read the books you'll understand how detailed the world Geroge R.R Martin created is.
The show is nothing compared to the books. The books are on another level.
@@arraikcruor6407 Agreed, it is truly a hole of which the true depth is unknown to anyone but George
@@samuelschonenberger Yes, and even George may not entirely know.
Never in a million years thought you would make this video
yet so satisying
400th like.
Because you have no belief :)
I agree. I never thought Shirvan would actually make this video. I'm actually stunned
but so well made and almost REAL!!!
Should have waited until April 1st and presented this as a normal report.
Ah fuck this is too good
He can always promote it in April.
Legit genius man.
It will definetly blow up since it so near to april.
It's too late maybe he should do Spongebob.
I thought I was tripping when I saw this, but fascinating nonetheless. Time to grab the popcorn
I know right! I am going to rewatch it tonight with some weed! :o
EXACTLY. I clicked on my update icon and read 'caspian report - Game of thrones' and my brain instantly went "Nah you saw that wrong. Must be a new screen junkies video or something" :-D
I strongly recommend all of you to buy A Song of Ice and Fire, all five books.
@@Brandonhayhew Already done. Could you tell George RR Martin though we would apreciate it if he wrote the last 2 books at some point in time? ;-)
@@DarkHarlequin or we could all form a petition for to raise awareness or fundraising to make GRRM to agree to make a total war game like warhammer TW, abd new books not just two last books but new books like Eliss Farman's adventure and dance of dragons.
"But in Game of Thrones the wall keeps out a supernatural race of the undead..." the Scots aren't that bad.
I think the wall and the unexplored territory beyond can be more relatable to Siberia or Antarctica.
Applying geopolitics to a fantasy world? What an awesome idea!
i heard it on a geopolitical futures podcast i think or maybe it was stratfor i can't remember
Geopolitics is an underestimated force. There's a lot of historians who don't actually understand how it works and use it to give flimsy theories a foundation. This video on the other hand was very satisfying. You could present it a bit better but from a mere logical point of view I couldn't find any faults. I thoroughly enjoyed watching and I'd like if someone picked up the idea and did other fantasy worlds.
not really. Most are not interresting because the author doesn't know much. Game of Thrones is the exception and even so it's not perfect
Proving geopolitical analysis is bullshit
Got seems like an exception, since grrm has put over 20 years of time into the series, which means that the world has had an a lot of time to develop extreme detail, wether it be geography, religion, history or myth
Holy shit. I am watching all seasons again to get ready for the final season, and then you come along and drop this. You are amazing.
I was thinking of watching them all again but it's such a time commitment. I remember all the personalities but forget or never even understood the politics. Honestly, I feel caught up.
i am reding the books as well
Read the books, you will stop watching the series and start waiting for the new book.
@@cameronrhanna just watch the recaps..write GOT CRAMMED SEASON 1...G8 VIDS
How disappointed were you?
19:17 Besieging King's Landing would result in a heavy loss of life, which is something the Targeryen ruler wants to avoid.
How funny to say this now!
Fire and Blood.
@@TricksterPoi I call bullish writing. Daenerys' turn to the dark side in the last season was so badly done that it's painful to watch.
It just show how much the last season doesn't align with the whole development. They twist things for the sake of twisting
@@e1123581321345589144 I call it bullshit writing the moment they invented teleporting characters and supersonic ravens in Westeros
@@darrenblack5541 If you read the books you'll notice that George RR Martin specifically states that scenes may happen weeks, months, or even years apart.
There's no teleportation or supersonic ravens, it's just that the story is not presented in a linear manner.
And that's quite common in fiction. Authors tend to skip 6 days of uneventful travel, or people hold up in a castle for a month when nothing interesting happens.
Simply out of this world. Can't believe I just watched a Caspian Report on Game of Thrones geopolitics. Pure joy.
Analysis of fictional medivial landscapes from Caspian report ? Now that's what I call promotional video.
(Edit : First to comment).
Very annoying.
HBO have a really, really good marketing department.
HBO got their hands first on game of thrones from Martin, and they answered his question about who is jon's mother and they got it correct.
@@HighSpeedNoDrag Indeed it is. I thought of channel as genuine morally ethically and uncompromising.
@Allahverdi Verdizade HBO Seems to want gather every Penny they can get.
One of my most favorite TV show meets one of my most favorite channels 😀
Read the books
Kavi Sugiharto Weber that has nothing to do with what he said
@@firespur The books hold merit as well, and are arguably better than the mess of the show, which if you did not know is an adaptation of the books, so I don't exactly see how this suggestion has no correlation whatsoever with what he said.
Kavi Sugiharto Weber The show is product of time restraints, monetary restraints and other human limitations. The books are a product of one man’s imagination.
A person’s imagination is pretty much infinite, a producer’s and screenwriter’s budget and time are not.
The shows may not live up to a man’s imagination, but they do add up to one of the greatest TV shows that has ever graced our televisions.
I say this as a book reader and as an actor.
@@jamesgreen5948 Fair point
Never in a million years thought you would make this video, but I love it.
11:25 The Lannister gold mines being depleted was an invention of the show. According to G.R.R.M, they are still active in the books, and the Lannisters are still the richest house in Westeros.
According to grrm , the books should have all been released by now so let’s take what he says with grain of salt
You would be a priceless advisor to the Kings
And probably get beheaded in 10 minutes for it.
His head would be neutralized for being too neutral :)
Actually, this would be fairly common knowledge for the upper class of Westeros, especially leaders. They *need* to know geopolitics so they can do anything successfully in war, and trade and alliance would be governed by this as well. You don't try to instruct politicians on politics. It's like an artist that doesn't know how to properly hold a pencil. If they don't know it, there's no point in trying to instruct them as they're spelling out their own doom.
The Seneschalk or Bailey. Remembers all the houses of the 7 Kingdoms, announces everyone when they enter the King's Hall on the formal meetings. Runs a small army of Paiges in Kings errands.
@@gone41214 nevertheless, kings and rulers had advisors, ever since they exist. Nobody knows everything and inheriting the throne does not make you a strategic genius, nor does it make you an idiot. They need advisors.
one more super interesting note: Geopolitics can be discovered at deeper levels in the books. For example: The house in the Iron Islands that is tolerant of the faith and westeros and sides with Asha (who clearly wants to settle for peace as opposed to Victarion) because their lands have benefited a lot from the trade whereas other (rebel) islands didn't.
Can we also have a geopolitics of essos? thanks mate is was awesome
It is not as near as interesting after the Free Cities- the lands generally either stay apart or constantly fend off old enemies like the three cities on the roads through the Bone Mountains. Until Daenerys shook up the slaver cities, nothing much had happenned since the Century of Blood
Well the Ghiscari cities have geopolitic to, they live in an landscape where the slave trade is pretty much their economy due to the dry lands, we have the Dotraki fking everyone around them and destroying knowleadge thus some cities adapted to defend them. Not to mention places like the Golden Empire of Yi Ti are extremly interesting, we know lot less but it's more than enough to make a similar video
@@SantomPh only the triarchy happened, but the century of Blood was only 400-300 years ago
@@SantomPh lots probably happened after the Century of Blood, but wasn't written down
Thanks for this mate. Just in time
*My father won the real war. He killed Prince Rhaegar! He took the crown! While you hid under Caspian Rock!*
Outstanding! Two of my favorites combine: Game of Thrones and Caspian Report. Very well done, my friend. Please keep the outstanding videos coming and God bless you, my friend!
If GOT is good enough for BazBattles and Kings and Generals, why not CaspianReport? I mean, really, GRRM created the most realistic fantasy setting ever.
Nah mate, just the most popular. Take it from a lifelong fantasy nerd, there are better world builders out there. Check out Erikson's 'Malazan book of the Fallen', or an equally impressive 'The Gentlemans bastards' by Scott Lynch. I'd rate both over Got.
@@fatalshore5068 Thanks for the suggestion. GoT is my favorite series ever, if anything is better, I want to know about it.
@@fatalshore5068 I am guessing you've never actually read the books, 5 main, world of ice and fire, fire and blood
@@farahejaz573 lol i read them before you had even heard of game of thrones.
Oh my god. This is amazing... What happens when my favorite geopolitical analyst meets my favorite peace of fiction? pure genius. Thank you for this masterpiece!
How about the geopolitics of Tamriel, from the Elder Scrolls?
Now that's a tough and awesome one.
You should do Essos next. Tons of history and neat geographical features there.
I've always suspected that the wildings were us Scots. I'd like to argue that that's inaccurate but...*shrug*
Well I'm pretty sure that the first men are a parallel to the Celts and that the Andals are the Anglo-Saxons, so you can think of yourself as a Stark if you would prefer? It doesn't help that HBO keeps casting people with Scottish accents as wildlings of course.
@@adavidavis2762 Wildings? We are free! You kneer can keep on kneeling! FUCK THE KING!
@@Verpal I like this one... lol
I've thought about this and I suspect the Wildlings are in fact the Norse who colonised parts of Scotland.
Ragnar is Ice king? He was revived from snake pit?
Just discovered this channel through this video and this is exactly the geopolitical analysis channel I have been looking for all these years
This was pretty cool! I've never really been into GoT but I've always liked the idea of analyzing the geopolitics of fictional worlds and countries. I'd love to see one of these for Avatar The Last Airbender or The Legend of Korra!
Shirvan, it’s not true that the Lannister gold mines are drying up, that’s some fanfic from the show. They explain that they’re still remains plenty of gold veins that are still untouched in Casterly Rock alone.
In the books, yeah, but this is a show based video
James Gravil The Lannister’s are so desperate is due to Tyson’s ambition and his kids ambition alone. The gold is just a tool for him to use.
@James Gravil Tywin wants to be on top, after seeing how weak his father was and how insane his friend Aerys was becoming on the throne, not to mention the numerous insults endured, including Aerys refusing to wed Cersei and Rheagar. He is driven not to be anyone's servant.
As a great fan of Game of Thrones, and a Law student who definetily loves politics, I can’t spare cheers on this video. Just spectacular analysis I would never be able to do neither close to, with my current knowledge. Subscribed!
Wow I would never think this would come from you.. great job
What you never thought you needed but turns out to be just what you wanted...a caspian report on Westeros. Very nice😁
I'm a simple man, I see a video from Caspian Report on Game of Thrones, I like it.
This was so well done. The fact that you took it seriously made it a lot of fun.
Excellent work! Just a thought, a Westeros based strategy game involving geopolitical intricacies would be awesome.
There is a pretty decent Crusader Kings 2 mod for GoT. But it does lack a bit of the geopolitcal side, since the game focuses more on characters and warfare than resources etc.
skulljoked but on the other hand you can get Khal Drogo killing Gregor Clegane in single combat...
Have you played Game of Thrones the Board game?
This is your best video by far.
I'm a massive fan of this world and your contribution made my day 💗
I see you're trying to get that bread with a wider fanbase. I approve.
I love your channel and have been pleasantly surprised by this, I have always found the geopolitics of the ASOIF universe fascinating and have been obsessed with it for over a decade, but I never thought that a channel like yours would tie it together to wonderfully. Sharing this to all my friends!
Put this in the category, "Things I didnt expect but gladly welcome"
Why didn't you made this video 3 years back .. I searched about these kingdoms for like 2 months still this video has more information
Love fictional geopolitics. Do some alternate history next: I recommend Look to the West by Thomas Anderson because it's ridiculously detailed.
April is the beginning of the ending of the Avengers and Game of Thrones.
Avengers will never end, Disney will milk that for decades
This was more engaging than the actual TV show. Please do more like this.
Still waiting for TES and the Witcher geopolitics, who agrees?
Oh hell yea man!
The Dragons aren't useless, season 7 spoilers ahead, as demonstrated in the episode "Spoils of War". If you lead an enemy army out into the open, they're toast.
Dragons are fucking insane. They’re ridiculously OP. You basically don’t need armies if you have a couple of them. (See the Targaryen conquest of Westeros)
2:53 these three rivers are also near where there are three similar sister rivers in the southwest of ireland
This video was really cool. I find this sort of 'dry' geopolitics really interesting and it's why I like you channel. Good job!
This is excellent Shirvan - nice surprise to have a lighter subject, treated very professionally though.
I've been a viewer since about 2015-2016. You're one of my favorite channels. And we are blessed you decided to do THIS! Thank you so much!!! 😃
Age of empires II was one of my fav games for pc
18:07
Winters lasting twice as long as summers. Never heard that before. I thought seasons are just irregular. Never does it say Winters last twice as long as summers.
Well the “ long night” only lasted like a day so who knows
I think its in books
Thank you shirvan, your video helped in getting in the mood for the final season, which I was struggling with, since the last 3 seasons nearly made me giving up on the show.
Fascinating and inspired analysis from Shirvan and Caspian Report - very timely and well done!
I really like the map graphics, there are so many different historical geopolitical reports you could make keep up the good work
When I look at the maps of Westeros I feel that its huge size is always underestimated. It must be at least the size of South America from the Wall to Dorne. Maybe even Africa if we include whatever lies north of the wall. The Summer Islands obviously lie on the equator of the planet considering the spices they can grow which makes me think there has to be at least another continent to the south of it that may rival Westeros in size
A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one.
I'd just clarify that the Crown (Lannisters) is in debt to the Lannisters and the Iron bank, so half of the debt is not concerning for the Crown. Also, in the books the mines did not run dry but the mining operations were halted by Stark raiding.
Oberyn Martell casually discussing the geopolitics of Westeros
Next: Lord of the Rings(?) There's only so much to talk about on our real earth
i feel like the earth has way more stories to tell than these fictional universes. Especially if you're willing to dig into the past.
@@lastword8783 Yes the US and the CIA are the modern Lannisters.
“Something that the tagaryan leader wants to avoid” 😢
Wow, this is an awesome idea! Very good video! But where did you get all the information like population size and GDP?
The best GoT 1 minute summary I have ever encountered. Good job!
Shirvan, I have been an avid follower of yours for 4 years. I love the seriousness, objectivity and amount of thought you put into each report. But I must say this is such a pleasant surprise!
Amazing episode thanks for making it! Huge fan of GoT, and a huge fan of your CaspianReport.
I thought this was a troll video. I was wrong
You rarely do anything on Britain.you should do a video on the geopolitics of the UK. This was a very interesting piece from you BTW.
Wow this is good knowledge for world building in my D&D games, great analysis
If world building is your game you should buy a copy of a world of ice and fire. It's like a massive book about westrosi/essosi politics current and historical and all of it is cannon
I never thought that Shirvan is a game of thrones nerd! I love this channel, so glad I came across your channel two years ago and watched it grow. keep up the good work.
Great work, never thought you would do this....we need more content like this.... Bravo 👍👍
Game of Thrones is very loosely based on England during the War of the Roses. George read the book The Sunne in Splendour by Margaret Kay Pennam when doing his research. She actually has a short story in one of his collections. If you read the book you will see a lot of GoT characters. The Starks are the Yorks , the Lannisters are the Lancasters. The people north of the wall are the Scots. There is a mad king in the Sunne in Splendour and you can see Cersei in his French Queen. Very good historical fiction novel.
Its true most history and events are based on English history. However, Westeros represent all Europe, from Spain to Russia, something which is usually forgotten and that was confirmed by George Martin himself. I repeat most of history and is based on Britain and mostly English history, the geopolitical is from all over europe, wich, in my opinion is obvious and the analogies many. For example, Dorne. And i can tell about this cuz im from Spain and i can see it clearly, i supose is the same with other countries in europe. Dorne is "based" on medieval spain, of course some aspects are different or exagerated. At first, its a land way more dryer and arid than the rest of Westeros and has the only desert in it, literally as Spain does in respect of the rest of Europe. The obvious eastern and moorish influence and inspiration in Dorne is another point, as Spain was home to numerous islam states and people for over 800 years. The Red mountains at the west of Dorne and the dornish marches are another analogy to the Reconquista, a constant struggle and war or skirmish. Also the cristian kingdoms in Spain were homed by numerous mountains, just as the Dorne marches lords do. Because, you see, if you flip Westeros map 90° right, it will match "grosso modo" with all Europe, and each kingdom will match with the region they are based on. The north, huge and cold, would be in the east and it would be Russia. The Iron island would be just to west from there and, obviously they match with the norsemen from XIII-XI centuries. Westerlands, rich and the usual victims of the ironborn, would be based of England or great britain although in my opinion it would be england. The Reach, most populated and fertile land in Westeros, would be France, Riverlands, also as plain fertile and quite populated, although i personally have my doubst, based of the cultural inspirations and geographical situation, it would be germany and/or netherlands. Dorne, vastly empty and dry yet rich would be Iberian Peninsula. The vale amd Stormlands, and here is were probably this theory (although i repeat George Martin said they were based on the regions from all over europe) falls apart. The vale could be Italy, north Italy and the alps, aswell as southern Germany, while the Stormland could be the balkans, but this is just for geography and the storms. So, if you got here reading all this, shit dude, wow. You deserve a prize or something my dude. Im sorry i put u all this if you readed all so have a good night and thanks, i guess. Take care.
It was geopolitics of Westeros not the whole Game of Thrones world.
Great video! Very helpful! Question though...How are there only 4 million people in the very fertile riverlands. Based on its strategic location , land size etc It should have more people than the Westerlands and certainly more than The North and The Vale!
Haha neo-realism for Westeros. That was amazing Shirvan., you should do Essos next!
This was quite interesting actually. When i saw the title i thought oh no another game of thrones related video but the quality of your research is always top class Shirvan. Thanks for such great content!
A wonderful idea, Shirwan! I have thoroughly enjoyed it. :)
Without doubt yours is the best geopolitical oriented channel out there. Thank you for all your work!
19:15 Lolololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololololoolol
At least he got the prediction correct of Dany's death right.
One of the best videos I've ever seen in youtube.
such a cool video idea!
thank you
Game of Thrones is like a combination between War of the Roses historical events, and William Shakespeare's macbeth and Richard the third, and Lord of The Rings.
GRRMARTIN is William Shakespeare of our time.
When this came up on my feed, I thought it was a video from an alternate dimension. Having watched it, I commend you. As usual you did solid work explaining the relationships between geographies, sovereigns, historical conflicts and future strife.
Shivan, you have to do more of these TV shows / gaming geopolitics episodes along with your usual high quality stuff. It'll introduce a new audience to your channel!
in THE SHOW the gold mines are dry, not the books
The North probably doesn'y have a port on the West coast because the Iron Born would raid it or the ships en route.
good call. too dangerous. And underpopulated
North=Russia
Vale=Alps
Riverland=Germany
Casterly rock=England
The Reach=France
Stormland=Italy
Dorne=Iberia
Iron Islands=Vikings
Right?
And Daenerys did became a villian.
Unexpected surprise. Made my day! Awesome that you are able to be serious and throw some fun into your channel!
a very different and very needed video in the game of thrones youtube videos world
"the northern domain of westeros correlates with the rest of Britain." You mean all of Britain.
Good analysis! Glad you looked at this aspect of GOT. It is always an important & consistent consideration in this series but rarely sited as motivating factors in the show. Dragons & battles take center stage, and rightly so. Action scenes of geopolitics aren't likely to bring in number of fans battalion size fights do.
Ok, this is incredible. Thank you. As an avid ficcionated reader of George`s works, I loved this.
edit: Why there are no ports on the western shore of the North: Iron Island and Wildling raids. EVery time the starks tried, eventually the Greyjoys burned it.
Hahaha, i fell off my chair laughing when i saw this in my feed, i always thought that u only did real-life geopolitics, i dont complain, just, how do i put this….. Unexpected, great vid anyway
This is awesome. Prepare to go viral! Perhaps this is foreshadowing of a separate channel focused on the geopolitics of GoT?
Great video, one of the reason I love Game of Thrones is because of its detailed and complex history and political situation
Lol why the coughing sound effects amongst discussion of the citadel? Found that a bit out of place. Absolutely wonderful video, that part just compelled me to comment
The crown lands were not disputed by The KIngdom of the Reach in the time immediately preceding the arrival of the first Targaryen king, but were disputed between The Storm Kingdom which was ruled at that time by House Durrandon (the region now ruled by House Baratheon) and The Kingdom of the Islands and Rivers (now divided into two regions).
The Royal house of The Reach at the time were not the Tyrells but the now extinct house Gardener, the house Hoare also became extinct (royal family of The Kingdom of the Islands and Rivers), House Durrandon was unified with house Baratheon.
The extinctions of this great houses happened in the war of invasion cause by Aegon 1st Targaryen.
Excellent summary. One of the very best channels I subscribe to.
Will we have an Analysis of the Geopolitics of Essos in the future?
I think you've actually made me start watching this series...
Grischu Read the books. The show is very bad now.
@@alex-sv8ru okay thanks for the advice
@Grischu well you could watch the show just make sure to stop after season 4 :) then it gets BAD
I will always recommend the books but I think the show is still good, watch it and make up your own mind. The first 4 seasons mostly followed books 1-3 and season 5 very loosely followed books 4 and 5, after that it's made up with George's ending to the series in mind.
Grischu it’s not bad it’s incredible with all the visuals and money put into it, there is entertainment but people just don’t like the writing and logic after season 5 because the show passes the books. I’d say if you are not a reader go for the show, it could really get you hooked. Then read the books at your will if you want a richer and more interesting writing, logic, character motivations and Storylines. Because the books have so much more info and story.
The gold mines running out in Casterly Rock is an entirely show-based detail and has not been proven or even implied in the novels, so I would be VERY careful in stating the gold mines are stripped clean. The original GOT show went into non-canon territory after a fashion since a certain someone hasn't finished writing the novels...
I didn’t even watch this yet and I know it’s a badass video. Thanks Shirvan
Epic geopolitical analysis of our beloved show! 👌👍👍😏
CaspianReport: how do you like my new Geopolitics of Game of Thrones vid?
Viewers: aw yea nice, i like these new alternate reality
CaspianReport: dont fricking say that
Templin institute:DID I HEAR ALTERNATE REALITY
THAT SHIT IS MINE