Star Wars is set in a fictional timeline measured in years before and after the Battle of Yavin (BBY and ABY), with the main narrative positioned around 0 BBY/ABY in an unnamed galaxy during an age of hyperspace travel and interstellar empires. The saga primarily unfolds in the High Republic, the Fall of the Republic, the Rise of the Empire, and the New Republic eras, while in-universe records extend into deep prehistory and remote futures. Created by George Lucas and shaped by numerous writers and historians, this timeline serves worldbuilding, continuity, and audience expectations across films, television, and Legends material.
How Star Wars Dates Events: ABY and BBY Explained
Most Star Wars timelines use two key notations: BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) and ABY (After the Battle of Yavin), anchoring the saga around the destruction of the first Death Star in Episode IV. The Battle of Yakin is treated as year zero, with events like The Phantom Menace set around 32 BBY and the original trilogy at 0 BBY/ABY. This system, maintained by sources such as Leland Chee and the Lucasfilm continuity team, aligns disparate media into a coherent chronological reference. Dates before 32 BBY are often given as approximate or loosely defined in earlier material, while later works refine earlier eras through novels, comics, and reference guides.
Key Conventions in Timeline Notation
- BBY counts years before the Battle of Yavin; ABY counts years after.
- Year 0 corresponds to the events of Episode IV: A New Hope.
- Timeline entries may use approximate dates when exact years are unspecified in canon sources.
Major Eras in Star Wars History
The saga spans vast stretches of fictional time, from deep pre-Republic history to the far future of the galaxy. The High Republic represents an age of exploration and Jedi prosperity; the Fall of the Republic covers the Clone Wars and the turn to the dark side; the Rise of the Empire focuses on Imperial consolidation and rebellion; and the New Republic era deals with reconstruction and the rise of the First Order. These periods frame the main films, series, and novels, while supplementary material such as The Clone Wars and Rebels fill in transitional details and expand the overall chronology.
Comparative Overview of Key Eras
| Era | Approximate Time Period | Narrative Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Republic / Deep Past | Tens of thousands of BBY and earlier | Foundations of the galaxy, early civilizations, Force traditions |
| High Republic | Approximately 300 BBY to 100 BBY | Jedi exploration, peace, and expansion |
| Fall of the Republic | 32 BBY to 19 BBY | Clone Wars, Republic decline, rise of the Empire |
| Rise of the Empire | 19 BBY to 0 BBY | Imperial rule, resistance, and hidden threats |
| Original Trilogy | 0 BBY to 4 ABY | Rebellion, defeat of the Empire, and redemption |
| New Republic Era | 5 ABY to ~35 ABY | Reconstruction, new threats, and evolving politics |
| Sequel Era | ~34 ABY onward | New Resistance, legacy heroes, and emerging conflicts |
Timeline Creation and Canonical Sources
The official Star Wars timeline is curated primarily by Lucasfilm’s Story Group, with Leland Chee serving as keeper of the Holocron continuity database. Canonical sources include films, The Clone Wars and Rebels animated series, and post-2014 materials integrated into current continuity, while the Legends universe remains useful for reference but is not considered canon. Reference works such as The New Essential Chronology, Ultimate Star Wars, and Star Wars: The Galactic Timeline provide structured dates and explain discrepancies. When exact dates are unavailable, sources use contextual clues, production notes, and in-story references to place events within a broader sequence.
Reliability and Revision
Star Wars timelines evolve as new stories fill gaps in established chronology; earlier publications may be updated or superseded. Source reliability is highest for materials endorsed by Lucasfilm and integrated into current continuity, while older Legends dates may conflict with newer information. Fans and scholars use cross-referencing of onscreen dates, handbook entries, and developer commentary to maintain an accurate, practical timeline despite revisions and reinterpretations.
Reading and Using the Star Wars Timeline
When following or building a timeline, start with anchored events such as the Battle of Yavin and work outward using BBY/ABY notation. Prioritize current canon sources for accuracy, consult reference guides for context, and treat older material as historically informative but potentially revised. Practical uses include fan projects, discussion clarity, and deeper appreciation of recurring motifs, character arcs, and long-term galactic history. Understanding the timeline enhances viewing, reading, and engagement with ongoing stories across media.
Practical Steps for Navigating the Timeline
- Anchor yourself with well-defined events like the Battle of Yavin (0 BBY/ABY).
- Use canonical films and approved reference books as primary sources.
- Check appendices and timelines in sources like The Galactic Timeline for updated dates.
- When conflicts arise, defer to the most recent, canonically endorsed material.
- For pre-32 BBY eras, recognize that dates may be approximate and subject to revision.