Did the Great Empire of the Dawn Even Exist?

There are many theories about the Great Empire of the Dawn (GEotD). They all mostly say the same thing: they were ancient dragonlords who once harnessed dragons before the Valyrians, leaving numerous structures across the world of A Song of Ice and Fire. They built the fused black stones like the Five Forts but also the oily/greasy black stones like Asshai. They were the predecessors of the Yi Ti, and they were brought down by the Bloodstone Emperor. But are these theories actually sound, or are they just fanfiction? I dive in deep into this topic and put them to the test. 0:00 - Intro 0:17 - The Foundation of the Hightower 4:45 - Dragonsteel 7:41 - The Five Forts 10:29- Asshai 15:12 - Ghosts of in Dany's Dream 17:37 - The Shadow People 19:50- Worldbuilding Images and video from Game of Thrones are the property of their creators, used here under fair use. Other Image Credits: The Sacred Flames by Ishutani: https://www.deviantart.com/ishutani/a... Valyrian Couple by Magali Villeneuve:   / 710114230834491392   Giant Warrio by velinov: https://www.deviantart.com/velinov/ar... Ancient Maze by lord-phillock: https://www.deviantart.com/lord-phill... Eye of Raven by Artgerm: https://www.deviantart.com/artgerm/ar... Seastone Chair by Matt Brown: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/mWEm8 Yeen by Enrique Murguia: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/JLW8v Innsmouth Look by Odinoir: https://www.deviantart.com/odinoir/ar... Merrow by JeffRussell: https://www.deviantart.com/jeffrussel... East of Ibb by ReneAigner: https://www.deviantart.com/reneaigner... Ashara Dayne by Elena María Vacas: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/9B4ZQ