All 9 Confirmed Star Wars Eras: The Galaxy’s History in a Nutshell
Throughout various movies, shows, comic books, and video games, we’ve witnessed thousands of years of history and seen countless stories that create a timeline that defines specific eras of the ‘Star Wars’ universe. From the Dawn of the Jedi era to the era of the New Jedi Order, there have been nine specific eras currently defined and confirmed in an ever-expanding universe.
We’ll take a brief look at each one of them separately, creating a simplified, clear-cut timeline of the ‘Star Wars’ universe, be it official canon or Star Wars Legends. Chronologically, the list of all the nine ‘Star Wars’ eras looks like this:
- Dawn of the Jedi
- The Old Republic
- The High Republic
- Fall of the Jedi
- Reign of the Empire
- Age of Rebellion
- The New Republic
- Rise of the First Order
- New Jedi Order
1. Dawn of the Jedi
This particular era in Star Wars history marks the very first Jedi starting to form as The Force had been discovered, about 25,000 years before ‘A New Hope.’ It has already been confirmed that a movie from this particular era – titled ‘Dawn of the Jedi’ – is in the making, with James Mangold at the helm as the director.
Also, in an interview for GamesRadar+, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy hinted at a possible loose connection between this movie and the movie that’ll happen in the ninth era of ‘Star Wars’ – ‘New Jedi Order.’
2. The Old Republic
As the Jedi Order emerged, the worlds of the Galactic Core created and founded the Republic, and the Jedi were there to protect it. This era is the first in which a deviation of the Jedi creates the first members of the Sith.
3. The High Republic
The Senate rules the Republic as it grows, expands, and reaches its all-time peaks. Jedi Knights continue to protect the innocent in the galaxy, and the influence of their collective actions spreads to the vast galactic Outer Rim and new worlds.
Some projects within this particular era are the new kids’ show, ‘Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures’ (younger Yoda makes an appearance), and ‘Star Wars: The High Republic’ – including a show and numerous great comics.
4. Fall of the Jedi
The Fall of the Jedi is an era where the galaxy falls into darkness for the first time – at least in the stories we’ve been told so far. A Dark Lord emerged and restored the Sith Order, destroying the Jedi with treachery and maleficence. That Dark Lord was Emperor Palpatine, aka Darth Sidious, who corrupted the ‘chosen one’ – Anakin Skywalker. So began the rise of the evil Empire.
Some of the most notable stories told throughout this era are the ‘prequel’ trilogy, or Star Wars Episodes 1-3, being ‘The Phantom Menace,’ ‘Attack of the Clones’, and ‘Revenge of the Sith.’ The era also includes newer, non-canon shows such as ‘Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi’ or ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars.’
5. Reign of the Empire
After Anakin Skywalker fell to the Dark Side and became Darth Vader, the darkest time in the history of the Galaxy happened. The Empire reigned supreme, unchallenged, and unhinged. The military strength of the Galactic Empire is unrivaled, and weapons of mass destruction begin their assembly.
We heard numerous stories from this era fairly recently – over the past decade or so. That includes ‘Star Wars: The Bad Batch,’ ‘Solo,’ ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi (TV Series), ‘Andor,’ ‘Star Wars Rebels’, and ‘Rogue One’. Several video games from this particular era are worth noting, too, like ‘Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,’ ‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,’ or ‘Vader Immortal’.
6. Age of Rebellion
The Rebellion is low in numbers but high in hope. Hero Rebels make a stand against the evil Empire and finally put an end to its tyrannical rule. This era we originally saw contains the original Star Wars trilogy: ‘A New Hope,’ ‘The Empire Strikes Back,’ and ‘Return of the Jedi’.
7. The New Republic
After the Empire was brought to its knees, the New Republic was formed. However, rebuilding and reuniting the galaxy proved easier said than done. Peace has been restored, but only at the surface, as what’s left of the Empire forces continues to grow and threaten that very peace.
It’s currently the most popular era in Star Wars that includes ‘The Mandalorian,’ ‘The Book of Boba Fett,’ and ‘Ahsoka.’
8. Rise of the First Order
As the New Republic tackles rebuilding and restructuring the galaxy, the remnants of the Empire grow in power and form what is known as the First Order. They strike a strong blow and shake the already-fragile New Republic to its core, but the Resistance and new emerging heroes keep fighting back until their eventual victory against the First Order.
Movies and shows from this era include the sequel trilogy: ‘The Force Awakens,’ ‘ The Last Jedi,’ and ‘The Rise of Skywalker,’ as well as shows like ‘Star Wars Resistance’ or games like ‘Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge.’
9. New Jedi Order
Last but not least, we have the New Jedi Order era. Don’t get it twisted with the sci-fi novel series of the same name that spanned from 1999 to 2003. That series focused on Luke Skywalker leading the rebuild of the Jedi Order after Palpatine and the Empire had destroyed it.
After ‘The Rise of Skywalker,’ Rey promised Luke Skywalker that she’ll restore the Jedi Order and help rebalance the galaxy. We now know that another film is in the making called ‘New Jedi Order’ with Rey Skywalker rebuilding the Jedi Order. The movie is expected to drop sometime in 2027 and will be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
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