Old Republic

The 'Old' Republic was known as the Galactic Republic prior to its dissolution and the rise of the Galactic Empire. Although it was ultimately ended by a stagnating combination of corruption, plutocracy, bureaucracy, and political manipulation, it managed to survive and thrive for some 25,000 years before its fall.

(Early History)
Interestingly enough, there is very little information about the Galactic Republic prior to the Sith Era (ironically, it was said that the history of the Republic could fill a thousand libraries).

All that is known of its early history is around the time of its founding around 25,000 years ago. The invention of the hyperdrive brought together many different races in the galaxy, eventually accumulating to the signing of the Galactic Constitution on Coruscant. Another important event was the creation of the Jedi Order, whom would become the protectors of the fledging Republic.

There is one last relevant piece of information concerning this era. Around 500 years after the creation of the Republic, a civil war broke out between the Jedi Order and a group of dissident Jedi who believed true power came from the Dark Side of the Force. This conflict became known as the Great Schism, in which the Dark Jedi were banished from the Republic. They would eventually settle on a world known as Korriban and become the first Sith.

(The Sith Era)
The Sith Era started around 5,000-1000 BBY (Before Battle of Yavin). This era is known for the many wars fought between the Republic (as well as the Jedi) and the Sith Order.

It officially started when hyperspace navigators Jori and Gav Daragon accidentally discovered the Sith Empire, whose hatred of the Republic that banished them still lingered. This started the Great Hyperspace War, which ended at the Battle of Coruscant with a Republic victory.

There would be many wars throughout the era, such as the Great Sith War and the Jedi Civil War. The last great battle between Sith and Jedi was the catastrophic Seventh Battle of Ruusan. The leader of the Sith at the time, Lord Kaan, in a moment of desperation unleashed a weapon known as the Thought Bomb. Almost every Force-user on the planet was instantly killed, as was the entirety of the old Sith Order. Only one Sith Lord, Darth Bane, survived. He would later create the Rule of Two, in which there would only be two Sith at any given time; a Master, and an Apprentice.

For the Republic, very little changed. For the Jedi, however, was another matter entirely. Ever since the beginning of the Sith Era they had served as solders for the Republic. Unfortunately, many Jedi had also left the Order in exchange for the powers provided by the Dark Side. After Ruusan, they abandoned their armor and renounced all military rank, returning to their peacekeeping roots. In addition, they centralized the Order to Coruscant. These changes became popularly known as the Ruusan Reformation.

(The Clone Wars)

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Record 83 - group - Last update 28 Mar 2007, 23:09:04

Entry written by: Shadowtraveler

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