The Complete Timeline of Dune Explained
Navigate the sprawling 30,000-year timeline of the Dune universe with this clear guide to its six major eras.
The Dune universe stretches across more than 30,000 years of intricate future history, making it one of the most expansive worlds in science fiction. To help make sense of it all, fans divide the timeline into six major eras.
In this guide, we break down each era so that newcomers and longtime readers alike can understand how the events of Dune fit together.
The Old Empire
This era begins with the rise of human civilization on Earth. Over thousands of years, humans develop faster-than-light travel, colonize countless worlds, and establish a sprawling interstellar empire. The Old Empire lasts over a thousand years but grows complacent, relying heavily on computers and AI – setting the stage for disaster.
The Butlerian Jihad
As the Old Empire stagnates, AI-led humans called the Titans seize control – until they are themselves overthrown by Omnius, a powerful AI. For 900 years, machines dominate and enslave humanity. Eventually, humans rise in a holy war known as the Butlerian Jihad, destroying all thinking machines and swearing never to recreate AI. This crusade lays the foundation for Dune’s strict prohibition against machines that mimic the human mind.
The Corrino-Led Imperium
Post-Jihad, society rebuilds without AI. A feudal empire emerges, ruled by House Corrino, with key factions shaping the galaxy:
- Spacing Guild: Controls interstellar travel through spice-enhanced Navigators
- CHOAM: Manages the Imperium’s economy and wealth
- Great Houses: Noble families like Atreides and Harkonnen
- Bene Gesserit: A secretive sisterhood with political and genetic agendas
- Mentats: Human “computers” trained in logic and strategy
- Bene Tleilax: Bio-engineers with ethically questionable creations
- Ixians: Innovators pushing the boundaries of technology without AI
The galaxy is ruled by noble Houses, political factions, and spice-fueled organizations – all under the Corrino Emperor’s authority.
SPOILER WARNING: The following events cover major plot points from Dune onward.
The Rise of the Atreides
Fearing House Atreides’ growing influence, Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV conspires with House Harkonnen. Duke Leto Atreides is betrayed and killed after relocating to Arrakis, the galaxy’s only source of spice. His son, Paul Atreides, and concubine Jessica escape and join the desert-dwelling Fremen. Paul becomes their messianic leader, leads a galactic jihad, overthrows the Emperor, and seizes control of the spice – and the galaxy.
The Reign and Fall of the God Emperor
Paul’s son, Leto II, foresees humanity’s potential destruction and enacts the “Golden Path.” By merging with sandtrout, he becomes a human-sandworm hybrid and rules as a near-immortal tyrant for 3,500 years, restricting spice and space travel to shape humanity’s future. Leto’s death restarts the spice cycle and frees humanity from his control.
The Scattering and Return
Following Leto II’s death, the galaxy descends into chaos. Millions flee into uncharted space in an event called The Scattering. Centuries later, survivors return, pursued by an unknown force. A new, ruthless group called the Honored Matres wages war against the Bene Gesserit, forcing the two sisterhoods to merge and prepare for the mysterious threat that chased humanity into the unknown.
Need More?
This is an overview, but if you want a full list of major events in the Dune universe, check out a detailed breakdown here.
