Old Valyria was primarily ruined by a catastrophic geological event known as the Doom of Valyria. This devastating event involved massive volcanic eruptions that obliterated the Valyrian Freehold.
The Doom was not merely a series of eruptions but a cataclysm of immense scale that forever reshaped the geography of the Valyrian peninsula.
The Cataclysmic Events of the Doom
The destruction of Valyria was swift and absolute, characterized by several key elements:
- Massive Volcanic Eruptions: The primary cause of the Doom was an unprecedented wave of volcanic activity. These eruptions were so immense that they brought about the complete obliteration of the Valyrian heartland and its advanced civilization.
- Geographical Devastation: The Valyrian peninsula itself was shattered by the force of these geological upheavals. The landmass broke apart, allowing the ocean to sweep in and claim vast swathes of what was once the center of a powerful empire.
- Formation of the Smoking Sea: The areas consumed by the ocean and reshaped by the eruptions became what is now known as the Smoking Sea. This treacherous body of water is characterized by its boiling waters, constant steam, and the jagged, volcanic islands that dot its surface.
- Supernatural Beliefs: The Smoking Sea is shrouded in mystery and fear. It is widely believed to be haunted by demons, and no sailor dares to cross its expanse, further cementing its reputation as a cursed and dangerous place. This fear prevents any widespread exploration or recovery efforts of the lost Valyrian knowledge or treasures.
The Doom of Valyria effectively wiped out one of the most powerful and technologically advanced civilizations in the known world, leaving behind a scarred landscape and a chilling legacy of destruction.
