The Targaryens are among the most iconic and powerful families in Game of Thrones, with their dragons being the key to their power. They are direct descendants of the Valyrians, an ancient civilization that flourished in Essos owing to their dragons and expertise in magic. The Valyrians lived in Valyria and discovered dragons in a volcanic region known as the Fourteen Flames. They used their sorcery skills to tame and control the dragons, eventually making them their biggest assets. Valyria became the most powerful empire in the world until a devastating calamity called the Doom destroyed the city and killed many dragons.