The Financial Aspects of Daenerys's Campaign: How She Funded Her Troops in Game of Thrones

In Game of Thrones, starting from Season 3, Daenerys Targaryen funds the feeding and clothing of her Unsullied and Khalasar primarily through the wealth she acquires from conquering cities in Slavers Bay, particularly Astapor, Yunkai, and Meereen. The strategic and financial decisions she makes play a significant role in the development of her army and the success of her campaign.

Financial Acquisitions in Astapor

In Season 3, Daenerys purchases the Unsullied army in Astapor using the dragon eggs she received as a gift from Illyrio Mopatis. After securing the Unsullied, she liberates them from their masters, significantly boosting her army size and morale. This act transforms the army from a mere tool into loyal followers, increasing her control and influence.

Continuing Success in Yunkai

After conquering Astapor, Daenerys continues her campaign in Yunkai, where she successfully liberates the city from slavery. The wealth she gains from this victory, including gold and supplies, allows her to provide for her forces. The financial gains from the liberation of Yunkai further strengthen her military and logistical capabilities.

Amassing Resources in Meereen

Daenerys then transitions to Meereen, further increasing her resources. The riches obtained from these cities help her maintain her Khalasar and Unsullied, solidifying her power base and ensuring her forces remain well-equipped and supplied. By the time she sets her sights on Westeros, Daenerys has amassed considerable wealth and resources through these conquests, which she uses to fund her campaign in the Seven Kingdoms.

Logistical Challenges in Westeros

When Daenerys arrives in Westeros, she has a well-equipped army, dragons, and the financial means to support her campaign. She relies on various logistical strategies to ensure her troops are well-fed and equipped:

Carriage by Followers: Her vast number of followers could have carried grains and supplies from the cities that were sacked, such as Astapor and Yunkai. After reaching Meereen, there would have been no food shortage, and the Meereenese likely did not burn the fields or poison the walls. Dothraki Carriage: She would have ordered the Dothraki to carry as much horse-meat and provisions as possible. This would ensure a steady supply of food for her army, especially during the harsh winter approaching. Supply Lines from Dorne and Highgarden: Once in Westeros, provisions would have been sent to her from Dorne and Highgarden, or from the areas near Dragonstone. However, this is quite a challenging assumption, given the large number of troops and the impending winter. The area does not seem fertile or well-managed enough to provide for such a large group, but it is the only alternative available.

The financial and logistical aspects of Daenerys's campaign in Slavers Bay and Westeros highlight the strategic and economic challenges she faces in achieving her goal of reclaiming the Iron Throne. The wealth she acquires in these cities not only funds her troops but also enhances her military might and political influence, making her a formidable force in Westeros.

Keywords: financial funding, Unsullied, Khalasar, Game of Thrones, resources