TIME LINE of the Babylon 5 Universe *No Spoilers* (Revision 110595) Compiled by I. Marc Carlson With additional information by victory@aloha.com (Victor Yanagida ) abergman@minerva.cis.yale.edu dss2k@poe.acc.Virginia.EDU (David Strauss) Since all of this information has come from other sources, I don't feel as though I can copyright it. Feel free to use it as you wish, within the bounds of other copyrights on this material. If you like the occasional hypothesis that I have left strewn about within, please recall where you found it. [WARNING: This latest version should contain no "spoilers".] Babylon 5 and related concepts are the property of PTEN and JMS. Notes on sources: The sources used for this were the episodes and information revealed by JMS on Genie and Usenet. The codes in parentheses indicate the source. Episode codes are explained under the appropriate title. The coding system is loosely based on developed by Bjo Trimble and Larry Nemecek for Star Trek. Following Nemecek's precedent, items marked with a /v contain information based on visual clues such as computer screen displays; items marked with a /s contains information based on a script or other version of an episode. Following my own precedent, those items marked with a N- are novels, and C- are comics. UT: indicates a "Universe Today" headline. B: indicates described in "background walla". FAQ = Babylon 5 Frequently Asked Questions List GEL = Babylon 5 Grid Epsilon Log JMSG = JMS's GEnie postings JMSU = JMS's USENET postings TFAQ = Technical FAQ The above materials will be superceded should different information be broadcast. Finally, all items below that marked with an * are conjecture based on the information on hand, and may be further explained by a description in brackets. An item marked with a [*] with the description indicates it was based on loose information at hand, and/or is simple guesswork. ========================================================== -- The Chronology -- c15 Billion Creation of the Universe. [Ya gotta start somewhere] c10 Billion Galaxies form. ???? Shadows evolve ["They were old when even the Ancients were young"](sz). c?? Billion The First Ones, the eldest races evolve, those who "Walk among the stars like Giants" (sz). c1 Million BCE Over this last million years there are a series of wars between the "First Ones" and the Shadows (cs) As the wars diminish, the First Ones begin to dissapear, some traveling beyond the stars (sz). c8000 BCE The last Great War between the Shadows and the First Ones (sz). ???? The Centauri wipe out the other sentient race on their world, the Xon (pd). [Date Unknown] c4250 BCE Rathenn mistakenly uses this date to describe when the Minbari began to decline in population (C-1). [JMSC] c250 The Minbari begin to decline in population (po). [Something begins to weaken the Minbari, the power holding the Shadows in check. JMSU] c1100 The Minbari first begin to travel space (JSMU). c1250* An alliance of worlds, including the few remaining First Ones (including the Vorlons) and the Minbari attack the Shadows in what will later be remembered as a Great War (sz). The Markab and several other races appear to have some experience of Soldier's of Darkness (ld). According to the sacred books of G'Quon there was a Great War with an ancient race at the Rim of "Known Space", centered around Z'ha'dum (rv). [JMS has suggested that at this time, the Narn home world was used as a base for Shadows (JMSU). Valen subdues the Warrior Caste, establishes the Grey Council (JMSU). A highly advanced space-faring society flourishes on Ikara 7. After being invaded repeatedly, they build 12 organic technology warriors to protect them (in). Nothing of specific significance occurs on Earth. c1750 An ancient race dies out, leaving Varn as Guardian of Epsilon 3 (vw3). Minbari clan Third Fain of Chudomo begins service with honor. 1888 Aug-Nov "Jack the Ripper" terrorizes London's East End. 11 Nov On the morning after the last of the Ripper Murders, the Vorlons abduct "Sebastion", of 14-B Harrisburg Lane, to determine if he is truly the "Chosen One". When it is determined that he is not, they retain him to act as their "Inquisitor" (ci). ???? The Centauri invade the Vega System, conquered in only 9 days. (ga) 1940 14 Nov The Germans bomb Coventry (sz). c1950* Aliens begin to capture Humans for various research purposes (gr/v, aa/v). [The "Gray" styles of aliens shown suggests that not all the contact reports we've had so far have been hoaxes]. 2035 Last gasoline powered motorcycle built (ey). ???? UN is dissolved (ga). 2075-2124 Morobuto, African philosopher and Ghandi of his time (JMSU). c2100-2110 Earth scientists prove the existance of telepaths, and begin keeping genetic records of telepath The government begins to legislate them (JMSG, JMSU). The Government establishes an agency to monitor the telepaths (C-11). c2100 Mars is colonized. ???? 1st Mars Colony is destroyed in a sneak attack (??). c2110* The Centauri conquer the Narn (ga, mf, JMSG, nw). c2125 Psi Corps established (JMSU). William Kurges, a telepath in Earth Force Security, stops 3 terrorist plots during his career and dies saving the life of EA President Robinson. She passes equal opportunity laws, and establishes Psi Corps (C-11). c2150* Centauri begin their decline from power (ga, mf, JMSG). Colonists begin to migrate to the second Mars colony (vw1). [Since the 1st Mars Colony was destroyed, and the Free Mars group has members who have been on Mars for a century, it is reasonable to assume that the second colony is a century old. Note that Amanda Carter's great grandfather John piloted the first colonist to Mars, although this is unclear as to the FIRST first colonists, or the first of the second group. (sw)] The USS Copernicus, a deep range exploration ship is launched (Will and Mariah Sirrus) (ld). 2151 The Centauri contact the Earth Alliance, claiming that Earth is a lost Centauri Colony. (ga,ld,JMSU) [In (ld) this is referred to as "over a hundred years ago"] They lease the humans time on their jumpgates, and eventually humanity is able to build jumpgates of their own. c2155 Foundationism established (JMSU). [Initially JMS said by the ends of the 20th C, but later, after first contact.] 2156 Internal Security Act establishes the Psi Corps and the Mix (N-vo). 2157* San Diego destroyed by nuclear terrorists (ga). [The UT article describes it as 100 years ago.] c2158 Battle of Nu'Skok. The Centauri lose "the Eye" (sp). Earthdome is built in Geneva (JMSU). 2195 Jha'dur (Deathwalker) born on Omelos, Caliban sector (dw/v). 2201* Sophie (Ivanova) is born (mf). [Date is based on her conjectured date of suicide]. c2210 Narn win their independence from the Centauri after a long war of attrition. They get access to Centauri Tech that was left behind and begin to sell weapons. (nw) 2218 3 May Jeffrey Sinclair born on Mars Colony (sf). 2219 27 June Del Varner born (ga/v). 2220* John Sheridan born on Earth [Estimated date based on an interview with Boxleitner] 2221* Late Feb Michael Alfredo Garibaldi born (su/v). [Month estimated on estimated date of (ds)] 2225 10 Dec Lyta Alexander born (ga/v). 2229* Londo ascends into public life (sm). 2230 The League of non-Aligned worlds is devastated by the invasion of the Dilgar. Jha'dur leads the invasion and conquest of sectors 24, 39, 64, 58 (dw, dw/v). Jha'dur wipes out the population of Latig 4 by infecting them with Stafford's Plague (dw). The Earth Alliance joins in to help the non-Aligned worlds (dw). The Dilgar conquer the Narn world of Hilak 7. The Dilgar conquer Balus (dw). 30 Aug Susan Ivanova born. (ey/v) 2230* Talia Winters born [Estimate based on (N-vo)]. 2231 Jha'dur destroys the planets Tirolus, Comac 4 and Malax (Halax?) (dw/v). 2232 Earth Alliance captures Balus (dw/v). Battle of Salos (Balos?). Jha'dur escapes to hide out with the Minbari (dw). c2232-2244 This is described as an era of optimistic expansion for Earth (hp). 2235* Talia Winters adopted into Psi Corps [Date estimated based on age in (N-vo) and comments in (sw).] Delenn becomes a member of the Grey Council [Estimate based on comments in (aa) and some assumptions about how long a Minbari "Cycle" lasts.] 2236* Sophie Ivanova is determined to be a Telepath (mf). [Date is based on her conjectured date of suicide]. 2237 Sinclair enlists in Earth Force Defence (sf). 2238* Sheridan joins Earth Force [Estimated date based on an interview with Boxleitner] 2239* Sheridan serves with Jack Maynard on "old Moon-Mars Patrol" (ds) [His "first assignment] 223? (Late 30s) Earth Alliance undertakes a number of Cyber experiments that eventually lead to the Black Project Lazarus (sw). [I am clueless as to the actual dates of these events,] ???? Londo and Urza are members of the Corps of Freedom (kn). ???? Londo leads a Centauri Raid on Frallis 12 (vw2). ???? A nova wipes out the remaining Dilgar (dw). ???? Canal Wars (gp). ???? Liberation of the African Bloc (gp). ???? General Franklin is Scourge of Janos 7 (gp). ???? Fighting in Israel? (ey). ???? Fighting on New Jerusalem (ey). ???? Fighting on Cyrus 3 (ey). ???? Urza Jaddo is the Hero of Gorash. 2240 Sinclair is promoted to Fighter Pilot (sf). 2240* Londo marries Timov (sm). The Narn and the Centauri begin to dispute over Ragesh 3 (JMSU). 2241 Sinclair is promoted to Squadron Leader (sf). 2241* Sheridan visits the Dalai Lama. [He claims this happens when he was 21 (po), and estimated date of birth] 2243 Garibaldi's friend, Frank Kimmer, dies on Europa (su). 2243* Earliest date for Sinclair to meet Catharine Sakai (cr). ["When you've known someone for 12, almost 15 years..."][He might also have met her during his days at the academy since Sakai states that Sinclair's been reading the writings of Tennyson since his days in the academy (mw).] 2244 Amanda Carter and Able Horn meet, and he recruits her into "Free Mars" (sw). 2244* During a First Contact with the Minbari, a misunderstanding regarding Minbari customs results in the humans attacking the aliens; the Minbari religious leader Dukhat is killed, causing the Jihad against humanity known as the the Earth/Minbar War (mf,le,rv). A Soul hunter is on hand for the death, but is prevented from taking Dukhat's soul by the Grey Council (sh). [The war is said to have lasted "about 5 years" in some sources (JMSU)] ???? Planetary Draft begun (cs). ???? Rush act passed? [JMS has said that this was during the E-M War] ???? Europa mining strikes result in the Rush Act being enacted (ba). [It has to have been passed before it can have been enacted] c.2245 A deep space "listening post" of 47 humans is established on a moon orbiting a world being used by the Minbari as a Command and Control post. The Listening Post is set up in the ruins of an old city. 46 of the 47 are killed by the Shadow they wake up. The Shadow hitches a ride on a passing space vessel, the USS Copernicus (ld). [The actual date is conjectural, as it "happen in the war"] 2246* Sophie Ivanova commited suicide (mf,ey). [During the E/M war, but since actual date has not been given, the year is conjectural] 2247* Ganya Ivanova killed (ey, ?). [A year after Sophie Ivanova killed herself] Sheridan and Anna marry (sz). Cpt. John Sheridan destroys the Black Star, the Minbari flagship/War Cruiser and a number of lesser vessels (po). Dec* Battle of the Line, of 20,000 vessels fielded by Earth, there are only 200 survivors. End of the Earth/Minbar War (sf) Sinavel, Captain of the Minbari War Cruiser Tregoni, commits suicide and his ship vanishes rather than accept the Surrender (le, po). 2248 Beginning of the Free Mars Movement (vw1). [At least the PUBLIC beginning] 2249* Ivanova is a cadet at flight school ("OTC" (nw)). She meets J.D. Ortega. (N-ac) c2250 G'Kar begins to serve on the Kha'Ri, Narn Council (pd). ???? Ivanova works with Sheridan off Io (po). 2251* Garibaldi begins a string of failed jobs as he crawls into a bottle [estimate based on a variety of sources]. During this time he serves as a transport pilot on a number of Ice Mining operations. 2252 March Abel Horn sentenced to Phobos maximum security outpost for involvement in the computer theft of over 50 million conglomerate credits. Served 1 year then was transferred to Lunis Planum prison base where he served 1 month and and escaped (sw/v). 2253 16 Apr Abel horn escapes from Lunis Planum prison base after serving for 1 month (sw/v). 12 Jul Sheridan is involved in something he'd rather not have stories told about (ds) 2253* Talia Winters serves on Mars with the Penal system. She soon leaves to work for the Political Bureau? [Pretty much conjecture based on some dialogue in (qm) and JMSU] Rumors of a "Rogue" element in the government begin to spread (sw). 2254 B4 vanishes, 24 hours after it becomes operational. Zathras arrives from "4993" (in some unidentified dating system") (bs). Food Riots on Mars. Sinclair meets Laurel Takashima, head of Mars security (JMSG). The Cortez leaves for the Rim (ds). 2255 Garibaldi transfers to Mars, where he runs a shuttle transport business on Mars. He is hired by Sinclair to ferry him. (C-5) [1st time they meet] Garibaldi and Sinclair are downed on Mars by Shadows (C-6). Garibaldi and Sinclair are forced to hike 50 miles out of the desert together (in, C-7). They discover a Psi-Corps base on Mars, involved in some sort of secret project with the Shadows. Talia is on of many subjects of this project (C-8). Garibaldi begins to work for Mars Security (vw1, bs). Garibaldi meets Catherine Sakai (pd). [He recognizes her and notes her presence to Sinclair] 2255* G'Kar ends his service on the Kha'Ri (pd). 2256 B5 is built and goes on-Line. Garibaldi is working Security on Mars when he is asked to head security on B-5 (bs). [I assume that this was the "second time" Garibaldi met Sinclair mentioned by Lise in (bs)] Cortez begins mapping Sector 900 (ds). 2257 Vorlons and Minbari learn of Shadows return (sz). Ms. Connally's father is killed during a Strike on Ganymede (ba). Jason Ironheart begins a secret project for the PsiCorps (mw). Anne Sheridan disappears while traveling to explore the ruins of an unknown alien race (rv). Sheridan finally learns the name of "Bureau 13" just before his informant dies (sw). Sheridan takes the Agamemnon out "onto the Rim" (po). Vorlons make contact with Earth Alliance (ga). The Vorlon Empire sends an ambassador, Kosh Naranek, to Babylon 5. "Narn Protests of EA's B5 Admin Heat" (UT:ga/v) "Vorlons To Make Contact" (UT:ga/v) "Oxygen Breather bias on B5? The debate continues" (UT:ga/v) "Minbari worlds gather for mult-world arts conference" (UT:ga/v) "Galactel matrix aquires EA - Centauri comm link" "Two planets join Earth Alliance, Amador and Pepinia full members." (UT:ga/v) Ganymede strike is in it's 3rd month. (B: ga) 3-5 Jan The Gathering (ga). Mid Feb Lyta is recalled to Earth (dl) Mar B5 officially "established" (nw). ??? Dr. Kyle is transfered to Earth Dome. 2258 "Signs and Portents" * First case of the New Drafa Plague discovered on Markab homeworld. Jan* Midnight on the Firing Line (mf). [JMS said that this episode took place "9 months" after (ga), which would be September 2257, but the show's intro is specific about the year] Feb* Soul Hunter (sh). Mar* Born to the Purple (bp). Centauri agree to negotiation on the Euphrates. Treaty between Narn and Centauri. Mar* Infection (in). 2nd anniversary of B5 going on-line. [see (ga) for rationale of date.] Narn-Centauri Euphrates Treaty negotiations begin. Apr* The Parliament of Dreams (pd). Apr* Mind War (mw). ("Rick" contacts Dr. Franklin regarding the Underground Railroad (rt)) May* The War Prayer (wp). May* And the Sky Full of Stars (sf). Jun* Death Walker (dw). Jun* Believers (be). Jul* Survivors (su). [2 days?] President Santiago visits B5. Zeta Squadron assigned to B5. Jul* By Any Means Necessary (ba). 3 Aug Signs and Portents (sp). Aug* TKO (tk). Sep* Grail (gr). Sep* Eyes (ey). Oct* Legacies (le). Oct* A Voice in the Wilderness, pt. 1 (vw1). Oct* A Voice in the Wilderness, pt. 2 (vw2). Nov* Babylon Squared (bs). Nov* The Quality of Mercy (qm). Dec Chrysalis (cr). 30 Dec President Santiago leaves Mars Colony for Io Jumppoint on Goodwill tour in EF-1. VP Clark remains on Mars due to a "Viral Infection" (cr). 31 Dec Narn Base in Quadrant 37 is obliterated by Shadows. Garibaldi shot while uncovering an assassination plot. 2259 "The Coming of Shadows" 1 Jan President Santiago is killed in "accident" on his ship (cr). Delenn begins her transformation (cr). 3 Jan* Sinclair is recalled to Earth (C-1, po). [Ivonova states that "it's been five days since [Sinclair] was reacalled to Earth"] 4 Jan* Sinclair arrives on Earth (C-1). [On the 6th, Sinclair complains about having been sitting around for two days waiting to see the President] 6 Jan In Darkness Find Me (C-1). 8 Jan Points of Departure (po). 9 Jan Sheridan start paperwork to promote Ivanova (gs). 10 Jan Sinclair leaves Earth (C-1). [After an indeterminate peassage of time, Sinclair notes that it's been a week since he left B5] 19-21 Jan* Revelations (rv). 22-27 Jan* Treason (C-2). 27 Jan* In Harm's Way (C-3). The Price of Peace (C-4). 28-29 Jan The Geometry of Shadows (gs). 29 Jan-11 Feb* Voices (N-vo) [Comments by Garibaldi place this as no later than a Month after his being shot.] c18 Feb* Ivanova loses her cane. [Three weeks after (gs)] *[Estimated arrival of 1st "Rangers" on B5 (cs)] 19-23 Feb* A Distant Star (ds). 25-28 Feb* The Long Dark (ld). [First Ranger Sighting] 7-8 Mar* A Spider in the Web (sw). 10 Mar* With Friends like these/Shadows Past & Present pt.1 (C-5) Against the Odds/Shadows Past & Present pt.2 (C-6) 11 Mar* Survival the Hard Way/Shadows Past & Present pt.3 (C-7) Silent Enemies/Shadows Past & Present pt.4 (C-8) [Garibaldi refers to Keffer's sighting of a Shadowship in (ds)] 14-16 Mar* A Race Through Dark Places (dp). 21-29 Mar Bloodoath (N-bl) Apr* Soul Mates ("Pestilence, Famine and Death.") (sm). 10 Apr* Duet for Human and Narn in C sharp/Laser-Mirror-Starweb, pt.1 (C9) Duet for Human and Narn in B Flat/Laser-Mirror-Starweb, pt.2 (C10) 18-29 Apr Accusations (N-ac). Apr* Psi Corps and you (C-11) [Date is purely conjectural and probably pretty irrelevant since it doesn't describe any events that would be considered "real" in the B5 universe being nothing but psi-corps propaganda.] May* The Coming of Shadows (cs). May* GROPOS (gr). Ear June All Alone in the Night (aa). [Sheridan comments having been at B5 for 6 months] Mid Jun* Acts of Sacrifice (as). Lat Jun* Hunter, Prey (hp). [Sheridan refers to (aa) as a few weeks ago] Jul Knives (kn). [Sheridan is referred to as taking command of B5 "seven months ago"] Lat Jul* There All The Honor Lies (ta). Ear Aug* And Now For a Word (nw). Mid Aug* In the Shadow of Z'ha'dum (sz). "Late August/Early September" (JMSC) Confessions and Lamentations (cl). Sep* Divided Loyalties (dl). (2 days) Mid Oct* The Long, Twilight Struggle (lt). [Sheridan is looking for news of the 6th game of the World Series] Nov* Come the Inquisitor (ci). Dec A Fall of Night (fn). 18-26 Dec* 2260 "I am become Death, Destroyer of Worlds" ??? Matters of Honor (mh) ??? Convictions (cv) ??? A Day in the Strife (ds) ??? Voices of Authority (va) ??? Passing through Gesthemane (pg) ??? Dust to Dust (dd) ??? Exogenisis (ex) ??? Messages From Earth (me) ??? Point of No Return (nr) ??? Severed Dreams (sd) ??? Ceremonies (ce) [halfway point] ??? Return from Avalon (av) ??? ??? (Two Parter, pt.1) ??? ??? (Two Parter, pt.2) ??? ??? 2261 ??? Episodes on Hold Expectations. "All Our Songs Forgotten"("Unnatural Selection.") "The Customer is Always Right" "The Very Long Night of Susan Ivanova" "Midnight in the Sunken Cathedral" "Target: Unknown" "Metaphors and Body Counts" "Demon on the Run" "Clarke's Law" (N-cl). 2262 ??? "Farewell" (aka "Sleeping in the light"). ???? Londo Mollari becomes Emperor of the Centauri (cs). [He doesn't look significantly older in the dream. He may be supported by Shadows in his accention.] ???? Garibaldi forces Sinclair to leave some place (possibly B5) that is about to be overrun by "evil creatures". Sinclair escapes, while Garibaldi remains behind to fight them (bs). [Neither Garibaldi, nor Sinclair look significantly older during the "flash forward"] ???? Babylon 5 explodes, with only one ship escaping (sp/v). [It is assumed that this occurs moments after the scene just before this, but may not be so] c2275* Londo & G'Kar kill each other? (mf,cs). [In the Dream, G'Kar has had his left eye "plucked out" and both he and Londo appear c.20 years older.] [This is a guess, but based on G'Kar's "desire" as mentioned to Morden in (sp), and the way Londo appears in his dream in (cs), I suggest that the Narn and the Centauri wipe each other out]. c2275* Babylon 4 is brought forward from the past to serve as a base of operations during a war between Light and Darkness (bs). [Date is a general guess based on Sinclair's visual appearance, although hints from JMS suggest that it may be MUCH earlier] ============================================================================== "Glass Hand" Chronology. c1960* The android, Trent, hides out from the Kyben (Outer Limits - "Demon with a glass hand"; JMSU). c2160* Trent *should* return to the future. c3960* The Kyben exterminate the human race. The surviving humans unleash a radioactive plague intended to kill off all sentient life before encoding themselves onto a piece of wire in the care of the android, Trent. (Outer Limits - "Demon with a glass hand"; JMSU). [Or not. JMSU states that the Kyben might NOT be part of the B5 Universe.] c4160* The radioactive plague should fade, making the Earth safe for the return of the humans. (Outer Limits - "Demon with a glass hand"; JMSU). [Or not. JMSU states that the Kyben might NOT be part of the B5 Universe.]