Aquilonia is the dominant kingdom of the western Hyborian world, depicted by Howard as a prosperous empire with great cities, powerful armies, and intricate court politics. Its capital, Tarantia, stands as the foremost city of the age.
Conan comes to its throne by personally slaying the tyrant Numedides. Throughout his reign the kingdom faces constant threats — Stygian sorcery, barbarian invasions from the north, and plots by disaffected nobles — providing the principal setting for the later Conan stories.