The tumultuous reigns of Stephen and Matilda in 12th-century England provide the inspiration for HBO's "House of the Dragon." King Stephen, a usurper with a tenuous claim to the throne, found himself challenged after the death of Henry I. His rival was Matilda, Henry's legitimate heir, who sparked a civil war known as The Anarchy. The conflict between Stephen and Matilda lasted for decades, marked by shifting alliances, brutal battles, and a deeply divided kingdom. The characters and events of "House of the Dragon" draw parallels to this real-life saga, exploring the dynamics of power, succession, and the devastating toll of civil strife.
