Understanding the Context

In this SEO-friendly article, we’ll break down the official chronology of the Elder Scrolls universe, including key events, historical eras, and important lore markers that shape the game world.

The Origins: The Proto-Elder Scrolls Era

Long before the rise of the Imperial Capital, the Great Empire stood as the pinnacle of Aetherius, the mythical world where the Elder Scrolls exist. Centuries—yes, centuries—before the events of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, the Great Empire centralized power, unified much of Tamriel, and ventured into dangerous unknown lands in search of ancient knowledge and immortal life.

The Great Empire’s fall is shrouded in mystery and tragedy, leaving behind ruins, forgotten ruins, and the lingering consequences of hubris. This dark age sets the stage for the rise of new powers and the reawakening of forces long suppressed.

Key Insights

The Rise of the Aedra and Abnoria

In the ancient past, the Aedra (divine beasts) and Abnoria (elemental spirits) shaped Tamriel through primordial conflicts. These beings played crucial roles in the creation and balance of the world’s magic and cycles. Their eventual retreat or transformation cleared the way for mortals to emerge and begin writing history.

Some legends suggest traces of these divine forces linger in remote shrines, ancient armor, and enigmatic artifacts—hints scattered throughout the lore not yet fully revealed.

The Imperial Age: A Dominant Era (Approximately Year 3,000 BA – Year 1,000 BA)

The Great Empire rose as an unprecedented force of order, magic, and discipline. From Year 3,000 to Year 1,000 before the present in-game era (BA), this period saw massive infrastructure projects, colonization, and the establishment of Magicka-based sorcery as a cornerstone of civilization.

Final Thoughts

But with power came instability—political intrigue, barbarian invasions, and internal corruption slowly eroded imperial authority. The Empire’s decline set the foundation for fragmentation and the emergence of new powers.

The Barbarians, the Acceptors, and the Rise of Nations (Year 1,000 BA – Year 0 BA)

After the Fall of the Great Empire (~Year 1000 BA), Tamriel broke into distinct cultural spheres:

• The Barbarian Imperial Factions and northern tribes absorbed old imperial traditions, leading to the rise of nations like High Rock and the Bretons.
  
• The Theald nominee kingdoms reasserted independence, blending magic and ancient rites in unique ways.
  
• The Caldffyr and Aholm Dominions harnessed forgotten arts, some crossing into the forbidden.
  
• Outer Tamriel, including KHistória andaushant, saw explorers, mages, and secretive orders seeking power beyond known borders.

This era is marked by shifting alliances, mythic figures, and the rekindling of forgotten magic—ideal material for Elder Scrolls VI lore.

The Second Era: The Age of Strife and Emerging Threats (Year 0 BA – Present)