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See also: History

The Distant Past

Billions of Years Ago

~ 13.7 billion years ago

Big Bang

The Creation of the Universe

The Universe comes into being through a massive explosion known as the Big Bang, gradually condensing into the more standard forms of matter and energy known in present time. At least two members of the Q Continuum, visiting from the future, are known to have taken refuge at the beginning of the cosmos, with one, later known as Quinn, also attempting to conceal the USS Voyager in the maelstrom. (VOY: "Death Wish")

~ +6 billion years ago

Guardian of Forever, 2267

The Guardian of Forever

The Guardian of Forever, a sentient time portal of unknown origin and purpose, is created on what will later be known as the time vortex planet at some point preceding the formation of the Sol solar system. (TOS: "City on the Edge of Forever")

~ 4 billion years ago

File:Progenitor.jpg

Ancient humanoid life

The first humanoid species known to evolve explored the cosmos, but found themselves alone. Accepting the lifespan of their own race to be ultimately finite, they chose to spread genetic material throughout the oceans of many worlds of the galaxy, including Andor, Bajor, Betazed, Cardassia Prime, Earth, Indri VIII, Ruah IV, Qo'noS, Tellar, Trill, Vilmor II and Vulcan, so that life on them would eventually develop on paths similar to their own. The ancient humanoids encoded the genetic seeds they left with a message that would be revealed only when their progeny had developed high degrees of technology and cooperation with one another. (TNG: "The Chase") One out of every 43,000 planets in the galaxy would eventually support intelligent life. (ENT: "Fight or Flight")

Hundreds of Millions of Years Ago

Over 500 million years later, the first life developed on the planet Earth. By the time, however, there were already other flourishing civilization throughout the galaxy. A notably advanced civilization is that of Bajor, which already established a flourishing civilization 500,000 years ago. At that time, humans hadn't even learned to walk upright. (TNG: "Ensign Ro").

Humanoid Civilizations

Civilization on Earth began to develop around 5500 BC. Following a classical period of thousands of years, and a millennium of dark ages, Human history entered a bright new era or Renaissance, which was the starting point of its advanced civilization.

On other Minshara-class worlds similar to Earth, numerous civilizations developed. After several centuries of technological development, many races became spacefaring around the same time. In 2161 several planets formed what was to become known as the United Federation of Planets, an interstellar organization for economic, social, and military cooperation, with the ultimate goal to protect future generations from intergalactic war and conflict.

United Federation of Planets

Since its founding in 2161, the Federation has expanded considerably in member worlds. By the 24th century, several hundreds of planets and star systems had joined the organization. However, in its history, it has stumbled upon a number of conflicts with neighbouring empires.

A long-lasting conflict with the Klingon Empire ended in 2293, when the Khitomer Conference resulted in a peace treaty between the two powers. The ongoing cold war with the Romulan Star Empire, however, would last until deep into the 24th century. (Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country)

Following the peace with the Klingons, previously considered the Federation's traditional adversaries, a Renaissance period for the Federation began, signified by the construction of large explorers and the establishment of numerous colonies throughout Federation space and beyond. However, resistance to expansion of the Federation was encountered and the Federation became embroiled in many conflicts during the 2350s, most notably the Cardassian War. Since the military (Starfleet) was at its greatest strength, a peace treaty was forced upon the Cardassian Union, but the Federation was about to face two of its greatest threats. (TNG: "Journey's End")

First contact with the Borg was made in 2365. A conflict with this cybernetic species followed, leading to two major assaults deep into the heart of Federation space. (Star Trek: First Contact) During the 2370s, contact was made with the Dominion, which hailed from the Gamma Quadrant. The Dominion allied with the Cardassians and later the Breen and began a massive offensive against the Alpha Quadrant. In response the Federation allied with the Klingons and later also the Romulans. The Federation alliance was eventually able to win the war, with assistance from former Dominion ally Cardassia, but it left most of the Alpha Quadrant devastated. (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine)

A new era of peace with both the Cardassians and the Romulans is now in reach. Having fought side-by-side during the Dominion War, a mutual respect has grown between the powers, and it is likely a peace will be signed shortly. (Star Trek Nemesis)

Notable histories of specific civilizations

Interstellar Events

4th century

14th century

18th century

21st century

22nd century

23rd century

24th century

Conflicts of the possible future

26th century

31st century

Conflicts with indeterminate dates

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