The Ultimate Guide to the Mandalorian's Timeline and History in Star Wars

Article Overview

The Mandalorian timeline is based on the years before and after the Battle of Yavin (BBY and ABY).

The Mandalorians have a fascinating history within the Star Wars universe, starting from their initial origins and extending to their confrontations with the Jedi during the Mandalorian-Jedi wars.

Throughout the years, Mandalore has encountered numerous periods of strife, ranging from the internal Mandalorian Civil War to the devastating Great Purge. This event resulted in the dispersal of surviving Mandalorians across the galaxy.

Mandalorians are widely acknowledged as the most formidable warriors in the Star Wars universe, backed by their extensive and illustrious history. The stories of Mandalorians trace back to their iconic figure, Boba Fett, and his iconic armor. Over time, their narrative has flourished in the Star Wars canon, finally making its transition into live-action. From its animated origins in Star Wars: The Clone Wars to the recent live-action series, The Mandalorian, the Mandalorian timeline has undergone significant evolution.

In the Star Wars universe, dates are measured in relation to the Battle of Yavin, as depicted in A New Hope. Events occurring prior to this battle are marked as "X" years before the Battle of Yavin (BBY), while those taking place afterwards are categorized as "X" years after the Battle of Yavin (ABY). This comprehensive Mandalorian timeline follows the same dating system, situating their history within the broader context of the Star Wars galaxy.

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The Old Republic (25,000 BBY - 1032 BBY)

Settling Mandalore & Planetary Conquests

The origins of Mandalore trace back approximately 10,000 BBY, when the Mandalorians are believed to have first emerged. Upon settling on Mandalore, they successfully domesticated the formidable Mythosaurs, colossal and legendary creatures that hold deep significance as the emblem of their people. Mandalore the Great became their inaugural ruler, and under his leadership, as well as that of his successors, the Mandalorians swiftly cemented their position as the preeminent warriors of the galaxy. However, driven by an insatiable thirst for conflict, many Mandalorians embraced a warlike nature, giving rise to a collective known as the Mandalorian Crusaders who conquered various worlds in the name of Mandalore, including Concord Dawn, Kalevala, and Krownest.

The Mandalorian-Jedi Wars

As the Mandalorian warriors gained fame, they found themselves at odds with their archenemy, the Jedi, and engaged in the Mandalorian-Jedi wars. It was during these conflicts that the Mandalorians learned to devise weapons and armor capable of defeating Jedi, most notably through the use of beskar. Over the course of many years, the Mandalorians and the Jedi engaged in sporadic battles until the final clash brought devastation upon Mandalore. The planet's surface suffered such extensive damage from this conflict that the Mandalorians were forced to inhabit domed cities like Sundari as their only means of survival. Although there were periods of harmony, conflict often defined their relationship.

Tarre Vizsla & The Darksaber

Tarre Vizsla achieved the distinction of becoming the initial Mandalorian Jedi during the Old Republic Era after being initiated into the Jedi Order as a child. Tarre was responsible for constructing the renowned Darksaber, a lightsaber that possessed a unique quality and was safeguarded within the Jedi Temple following his demise. The coexistence of a Mandalorian Jedi served as a temporary reconciliation between the two factions, but tensions between the Mandalorians and Jedi were rekindled when House Vizsla covertly infiltrated the Jedi Temple and reclaimed the weapon for themselves.

The Galactic Republic (1032 BBY - 19 BBY)

The Mandalorian Civil War (Great Clan Wars)

There was a period of peace on Mandalore following the planet's surface devastation. This event caused many Mandalorians to shift their focus from their ancient warrior ways to pacifism, leading to the emergence of the New Mandalorians. However, they faced opposition from the traditionalists known as the Old Mandalorians. In approximately 41 BBY, a war erupted between the two groups, but by around 39 BBY, the New Mandalorians emerged victorious, effectively ending the conflict. Duchess Satine Kryze, a staunch advocate of pacifism, assumed the throne, while the Old Mandalorians were banished to Concordia's moon.

The Rise of Death Watch

These exiled Mandalorians formed a terrorist group called Death Watch, with the aim of resurrecting the warrior traditions of their ancestors. Mostly active during the Clone Wars, which began in 22 BBY, they were led by Pre Vizsla, a descendant of Tarre Vizsla, the wielder of the Darksaber. Bo-Katan Kryze, Satine's sister, was part of his leadership team and supported Death Watch's plot to overthrow Satine and seize control of Mandalore. Despite Obi-Wan Kenobi's investigation and offer to protect the Duchess, Satine remained committed to maintaining Mandalore's neutrality and declined assistance from the Republic in combating Death Watch.

Darth Maul & The Siege Of Mandalore

Pre Vizsla's desperation ultimately led him and Death Watch to form an alliance with Darth Maul, who was intent on establishing and expanding his criminal empire called the Shadow Collective. However, in a shocking turn of events, Maul betrayed Vizsla and challenged him to a duel for the throne of Mandalore. Vizsla was defeated and killed, allowing Maul to seize control of Mandalore. This betrayal caused a divide within Death Watch, with a faction led by Bo-Katan leaving the planet. Later, Maul sought revenge by orchestrating the execution of Satine, who had been held captive. He lured Obi-Wan to Mandalore and made him witness Satine's death as an act of vengeance.

In 19 BBY, Ahsoka Tano, a former Jedi Padawan, was approached by Bo-Katan for assistance in defeating Maul. Together, with the support of Clone Commander Rex and a division of the 501st Legion, they led the battle known as the Siege of Mandalore. Despite facing opposition from Death Watch members loyal to Maul, Bo-Katan and Ahsoka's forces prevailed. Ultimately, Tano engaged in a duel with Maul, successfully capturing him and effectively ending the conflict. As the Clone Wars concluded, Mandalore's fate was left uncertain, devoid of a designated ruler and experiencing a power vacuum.

The Galactic Empire (19 BBY - 4 ABY)

Fenn Rau, Gar Saxon, & Imperial Super Commandos

The instability on Mandalore after Maul's rule allowed the Empire to exploit the situation, resulting in the planet predominantly falling under their control. Fenn Rau, a Mandalorian, was hired by the Empire to safeguard the Mandalore system alongside his group known as the Protectors. Meanwhile, Gar Saxon, who had previously pledged allegiance to Maul, served as the Emperor's Hand. Numerous other Mandalorians joined the Imperial Military as elite Imperial Super Commandos. Throughout the Dark Times, Mandalore remained loyal to the Empire's governance, even permitting the construction of a stronghold near the statue of Tarre Vizsla.

The Liberation of Mandalore

In 2 BBY, after discovering the Darksaber in Maul's residence on Dathomir, Sabine Wren made the decision to return to her homeworld. This choice was influenced by Fenn Rau joining the Rebellion following the demise of his Protectors due to Gar Saxon. Initially, Sabine faced rejection from her family Clan Wren, who remained loyal to the Empire. However, they eventually sided with her. In a fateful duel for the possession of the Darksaber, Sabine's mother Ursa Wren killed Saxon. Resolving to stay on-world with her family and other allies, Sabine withdrew from the Rebellion but continued their efforts to liberate Mandalore.

In 1 BBY, Sabine and Bo-Katan united to lead multiple clans in a rebellion against the Empire on Mandalore. Sabine successfully rescued her father, who had been held captive by the Empire, and enlisted the help of her Ghost crew allies. The Empire possessed a devastating weapon known as "the Duchess," which Sabine had created during her time at the Imperial Academy. This weapon targeted and destroyed Mandalorians wearing beskar armor. Collaborating with Bo-Katan, Sabine managed to eliminate the weapon, liberating Mandalore from the Empire's control. In a gesture of solidarity, Sabine offered Bo-Katan the Darksaber, symbolizing leadership over Mandalore. Bo-Katan accepted the weapon and ascended as the ruler of Mandalore, ensuring freedom from the Empire's influence. Subsequently, Sabine embarked on Jedi training under the guidance of Ahsoka Tano. However, at some point, they separated ways before completing Sabine's training.

The New Republic (4 ABY - 34 ABY)

The Great Purge of Mandalore

Between 4 ABY and 9 ABY, following the end of the Galactic Civil War, Mandalore was decimated by the Empire in an event known as the Great Purge. Moff Gideon, a top-ranking Imperial officer, orchestrated this destruction, presumably as part of Emperor Palpatine's contingency plan, Operation: Cinder. Bo-Katan negotiated with Moff Gideon, offering her surrender in exchange for the survival of the remaining Mandalorians. However, Gideon betrayed her and seized the Darksaber before unleashing a devastating attack on the planet's surface, an event referred to as the Night of a Thousand Tears. Among the many casualties were members of Clan Wren, a prominent Mandalorian clan.

This catastrophic event led Mandalorians to believe that Mandalore had become uninhabitable, causing the surviving Mandalorians to scatter across the galaxy. Those who still resided on Concordia, known as the Children of the Watch, staunchly adhered to the ancient traditions of their people. They took a solemn oath to never remove their helmets, believing that doing so would provide them with protection. Additionally, they believed that Mandalore had been cursed due to Bo-Katan accepting the Darksaber from Sabine without earning it through combat. Similar to the other survivors, they went into hiding, leading many in the galaxy to believe that Mandalorians were on the brink of extinction.

Din Djarin, Grogu, & Nevarro's Imperial Remnant

Din Djarin's Search For Jedi

In 9 ABY, Din Djarin, a bounty hunter, was tasked with a mission by an Imperial warlord on Nevarro. The mission involved capturing a 50-year-old individual who was discovered to be Grogu, a Force-sensitive child belonging to Master Yoda's species. Initially, Din handed Grogu over in exchange for a new suit of beskar armor. However, he later decided to rescue Grogu himself by breaking into an Imperial safe house. With the assistance of his covert known as the Children of the Watch, who revealed their willingness to support one of their own, Din managed to escape Nevarro. Throughout their journey, Din and Grogu were relentlessly pursued by bounty hunters across the Outer Rim. Eventually, Din gathered a team of trusted allies to eliminate the warlord. In the confrontation that followed, Din found himself face-to-face with Moff Gideon, whom he believed to be dead following the destruction of his TIE fighter.

Din and Grogu formed a two-person clan under the leadership of the Armorer, who tasked Din with bringing Grogu back to his own kind. Din embarked on a journey through the galaxy to find fellow Mandalorians who could provide guidance. Eventually, he crossed paths with Bo-Katan on the planet Trask. Bo-Katan directed him to Ahsoka, who declined to train Grogu due to his strong bond with Din. Ahsoka then sent them to the seeing stone on Tython, where Moff Gideon captured Grogu. In order to retrieve the coordinates to Moff Gideon's light cruiser, Din had to go against his creed and remove his helmet. With the assistance of Bo-Katan and other allies, they successfully rescued Grogu.

During his confrontation with Moff Gideon, Din unintentionally obtained the Darksaber, which Bo-Katan had been actively seeking as part of her mission to reclaim Mandalore. However, this matter took a backseat when Moff Gideon's dark troopers posed a threat to everyone's lives. Fortunately, Luke Skywalker arrived and dealt with the danger. As the Jedi who responded to Grogu's call on Tython, Luke took Grogu with him, but not before Din removed his helmet one last time for Grogu. This decision left Din's creed broken, and it hindered Bo-Katan's plans to reclaim Mandalore.

The Quest To Mandalore For Redemption

Din's act of removing his helmet to save Grogu resulted in his exile from his tribe. To seek redemption, he had to reach the Living Waters beneath the Mines of Mandalore. While still holding the Darksaber, Din joined forces with Boba Fett in the Battle of Mos Espa. It was during this battle that he was reunited with Grogu, who had chosen to return to Din instead of pursuing Jedi training. This reignited Din's determination to find redemption on Mandalore, leading him to approach Bo-Katan for assistance in reclaiming the planet. However, Bo-Katan believed that Din's possession of the Darksaber had jeopardized her plans. As a result, Din and Grogu embarked on their own journey to Mandalore.

Upon reaching Mandalore, Din discovered that the planet was not cursed. Together with Grogu, he descended into the Mines of Mandalore. Unfortunately, Din was captured and incapacitated by a cyborg before he could reach his destination. Instructing Grogu to seek help from Bo-Katan, he was rescued when Bo-Katan and Grogu returned to the planet. Bo-Katan used the Darksaber, which Din had been disarmed of, to save him. Once Din recovered, Bo-Katan guided him to the Living Waters. In their journey, they encountered a Mythosaur, which Bo-Katan secretly observed. Eventually, they left the planet, being pursued by TIE interceptors that destroyed Bo-Katan's castle. In order to ensure their safety, Din brought Bo-Katan with him to his covert's new hideout. It was there that both of them were officially redeemed by the Armorer.

The Way & The Siege of Nevarro

Though initially mocking the Children of the Watch's way of life, Bo-Katan eventually found solace and camaraderie among Din's community. She even played a crucial role in rescuing Paz Vizsla, a foundling and descendant of Tarre Vizsla. When Din received word from New Republic ranger Carson Teva that Nevarro was being attacked by pirates, he inspired his covert to take action and save the planet, effectively bringing them out of hiding. Working together, Din and Bo-Katan led the charge that successfully defended Nevarro and secured a new home for their people. Recognizing Bo-Katan's contribution, the Armorer instructed her to remove her helmet and commence the mission to reclaim Mandalore.

The Reclamation of Mandalore

Din accompanied Bo-Katan on her mission to regain the support of her faction, the Nite Owls, who had turned against her after she lost the Darksaber to him. Following their assistance in resolving a droid issue on the planet Plazir-15, they were granted an audience with the Mandalorians who had become mercenaries. Bo-Katan issued a challenge to Axe Woves to assume leadership of the group, and Din officially presented her with the Darksaber, acknowledging that she had rightfully obtained it by defeating the cyborg that had defeated him. The Mandalorians rallied behind Bo-Katan and, after gathering them all on Nevarro, she began devising plans for the return to Mandalore.

Bo-Katan, Din, Grogu, and others embarked on a mission to locate the Great Forge, the core of Mandalorian society. On their journey, they encountered a group of surviving Mandalorians living in the Great Forge. Bo-Katan disclosed her surrender to Moff Gideon and found inspiration from Din to unite all Mandalorians. While making their way to the Great Forge, they were suddenly attacked by Imperial Super Commandos, falling into a trap set by Moff Gideon. This resulted in Din being captured and Paz Vizsla sacrificing himself to ensure the safety of the remaining Mandalorians.

Axe Woves managed to alert the fleet, prompting them to descend to the surface and unite with their fellow Mandalorians in a battle against Moff Gideon and his Imperial Super Commandos. Meanwhile, Grogu assisted in freeing Din, who then pursued Moff Gideon in a one-on-one confrontation. Bo-Katan eventually intervened, allowing Din to aid Grogu alongside a group of Praetorian Guards. A duel ensued, resulting in the destruction of the Darksaber. Axe crashed the light cruiser into the base, concluding their part of the battle. Ultimately, Din, Grogu, and Bo-Katan teamed up to defeat Moff Gideon, ensuring his demise as he was engulfed in flames caused by the crashed ship. Grogu protected the remaining Mandalorians from the inferno.

Rebuilding Mandalore & Hunting Imperials

At the Living Waters, a ceremony was conducted to allow the foundling of the late Paz Vizsla to take the official oath. During this momentous event, Din chose to adopt Grogu, taking him under his wing as a Mandalorian apprentice by the name of Din Grogu. Showing his faith in Din, the Armorer instructed him to accompany Grogu on his journey of becoming an apprentice. Together, they ventured away from Mandalore, finding temporary residence on Nevarro. Further cementing their unity, Bo-Katan and the Armorer joined forces to ignite the flames of the Great Forge, symbolizing the coming together of all Mandalorians and marking the beginning of the planet's restoration.

Din approached Carson Teva, an outpost member of the New Republic on Adelphi. He proposed an undetected arrangement to hunt down Imperials in the Outer Rim. Carson agreed, and later found himself as part of a mission to assist Sabine and Ahsoka, who had been recently reunited, on Seatos. They were on a pursuit to counter the threat posed by Grand Admiral Thrawn. Sabine successfully transported herself to a different galaxy named Peridea, where Thrawn was trapped. However, she was left stranded with Ahsoka when the Grand Admiral escaped and established a base on Dathomir in the familiar Star Wars galaxy.

Editor's P/S

The Mandalorian timeline is a captivating journey through the history of one of the most formidable warrior cultures in the Star Wars universe. From their ancient origins on Mandalore to their clashes with the Jedi and the Galactic Empire, the Mandalorians have left an indelible mark on the galaxy.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Mandalorian history is their complex relationship with the Jedi. Initially enemies, the two factions eventually found common ground and even produced a Mandalorian Jedi, Tarre Vizsla. However, tensions between the Mandalorians and Jedi persisted, leading to the eventual theft of the Darksaber from the Jedi Temple by House Vizsla. This act of betrayal sparked a new era of conflict between the two groups, a conflict that would ultimately culminate in the devastating Mandalorian Civil War.