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The timeline below chronicles the events depicted in the classic [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Battlestar Galactica]] television program and its [[spin-off]], ''[[Galactica 1980]]''.
The timeline below chronicles the events depicted in the classic [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Battlestar Galactica]] television program and its [[spin-off]], ''[[Galactica 1980]]''.


The timeline is given in "Earth" years, BCE <ref>BCE stands for "Before the Common Era," an updated variation of the older term "B.C." (Before Christ)</ref> and AD, not by Colonial [[yahren]].
The timeline is given in "Earth" years, BC and AD, not by Colonial [[yahren]].


==In the beginning on [[Kobol (RDM)|Kobol]]==


The [[Beings of Light]] intervene at the beginning of human development.<ref>Adama refers to the [[Beings of Light]] as the "mother race" in "[[War of the Gods]]".</ref>
==On Kobol==
* {{inlineref|Before c. 5397 BC}}


==c. 4,000 BCE==
:The [[Beings of Light]] intervene at the beginning of human development on the planet that would come to be known as {{TOS|Kobol}}. {{TOS|Adama}} refers to these beings as the "Mother Race".


The beginning of recorded human history, on the mother world - the planet [[Kobol (TOS)|Kobol]]. <ref>At the beginning of "[[Saga of a Star World]]", it is mentioned that the peace conference is being held at the beginning of the 7th millennium of human history, which would mean human history was just crossing into its 6,000th year. 6,000 years prior to "[[Saga of a Star World]]", which is noted later in this timeline as happening in 1950, would be circa 4,000 BCE.</ref>
* {{inlineref|c. 5397 BC}}


==The Exodus==
:The beginning of the Colonial calendar.


The original 13 tribes leave Kobol and head out into space. Twelve of the tribes settle near each other in the area known as the [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies of Man]]. The remaining [[Thirteenth Tribe (TOS)|Thirteenth Tribe]] heads to [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]].
* {{inlineref|c. 4050 BC}}


==69 BCE to AD 1899==
:The beginning of recorded human history, on the mother world - the planet {{TOS|Kobol}}. <ref>At the beginning of "[[Saga of a Star World]]," it is mentioned that the peace conference is being held at the beginning of the 7th millennium of human history, which would mean human history was just crossing into its 6,000th year. 6,000 years prior to "[[Saga of a Star World]]," which is noted later in this timeline as happening in 1950, would be circa 4,000 BC.</ref>


69 BCE - 30 BCE
==The Exodus==


:Life of [[w:Cleopatra VII of Egypt|Cleopatra VII of Egypt]].<ref>A partially filmed, but never aired episode of ''Galactica 1980'', entitled "[[The Day They Kidnapped Cleopatra]]" was partially set in 30 BCE. The announcement of the cancellation of the series by ABC came during the filming, and the episode was never completed. This episode would have brought back the time travel plot device used in the first episode. Additionally, Egyptian themes were used frequently in ''Battlestar Galactica'', such as the city of [[Eden]] in "[[Lost Planet of the Gods]]".</ref>
* {{inlineref|c. 4050 BC to c. 40 AD}}


c. 50 BCE
:The original 13 tribes leave Kobol and head out into space. Twelve of the tribes settle near each other in the area known as the [[The Twelve Colonies of Man|Twelve Colonies of Man]]. The remaining [[Thirteenth Tribe (TOS)|Thirteenth Tribe]] heads to [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]].


:The Colonies begin to re-establish their space travel capabilities. At this time, they used rocket-propelled sublight craft.<ref>Ancient space travel is characterized in the classic episode "[[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]]".</ref>
==Exodus through 20th Century==


prior to AD 950
* {{inlineref|69 BC - 30 BC}}


:Just prior to AD 950, the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]], a reptilian race, allow themselves to be assimilated by their robotic creations.
:Life of [[w:Cleopatra VII of Egypt|Cleopatra VII of Egypt]].<ref>A partially filmed, but never aired episode of ''Galactica 1980'', entitled "[[The Day They Kidnapped Cleopatra]]" was partially set in 30 BCE. The announcement of the cancellation of the series by ABC came during the filming, and the episode was never completed. This episode would have brought back the time travel plot device used in the first episode. Additionally, Egyptian themes were used frequently in ''Battlestar Galactica'', such as the city of [[Eden]] in "[[Lost Planet of the Gods]]".</ref>


c. AD 950
* {{inlineref|c. 950 AD}}


:The Cylons attack the [[Hasari]], whose territory neighbors the Colonies, who intervene to assist their neighbor.  As a result of this intervention, the [[Thousand Yahren War]] begins between the Colonies and the Cylon Empire. <ref>The [[Thousand Yahren War]] begins 1,000 years before "[[Saga of a Star World]]" which, as noted later in this timeline, is set around 1950.</ref>
:The Cylons attack the [[Hasari]], whose territory neighbors the Colonies, who intervene to assist their neighbor.  As a result of this intervention, the [[Thousand Yahren War]] begins between the Colonies and the Cylon Empire. <ref>The [[Thousand Yahren War]] begins 1,000 years before "[[Saga of a Star World]]" which, as noted later in this timeline, is set around 1950.</ref>


c. 1450
* {{inlineref|c. 1450 AD}}


:Approximate time that ''[[Galactica (TOS)|Galactica]]'' is launched. Back then, the [[Celestial chamber|celestial chambers]] on ''Galactica'' were used to confirm navigational headings. <ref>A 500 year old celestial chamber is depicted in "[[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]]".</ref>
:Approximate time that ''{{TOS|Galactica}}'' is launched. Back then, the [[Celestial chamber|celestial chambers]] on ''Galactica'' were used to confirm navigational headings. <ref>A 500 year old celestial chamber is depicted in "[[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]]".</ref>


1776
* {{inlineref|1776 AD}}


:[[Xavier]] arrives in [[w:American Revolution|Revolutionary America]] and tries to change history. [[Troy (1980)|Troy]], [[Dillon]] and [[Jamie Hamilton]] follow him, and thwart his plans, but he apparently escapes to another time frame.  <ref>The trip to 1776 is mentioned in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III]]" but not shown on screen. Xavier's plans are mentioned at the start of "[[Spaceball]]".</ref>
:[[Xavier]] arrives in [[w:American Revolution|Revolutionary America]] and tries to change history. [[Troy (1980)|Troy]], [[Dillon]] and [[Jamie Hamilton]] follow him, and thwart his plans, but he apparently escapes to another time frame.  <ref>The trip to 1776 is referred to at the end of "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III]]" but not shown on screen. Xavier's plans are mentioned at the start of "[[Spaceball]]".</ref>


prior to 1850
* {{inlineref|prior to 1850}}


:[[Adama (TOS)|Adama]] is born. <ref>Adama reveals he is over a hundred yahrens old in "[[Lost Planet of the Gods]]".</ref>
:{{TOS|Adama}} is born. <ref>Adama reveals he is over a hundred yahrens old in "[[Lost Planet of the Gods]]".</ref>


==1900-1949==
==1900-1949==


* {{inlineref|1917}}: [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] is born on Caprica. His father is [[Chameleon]].<ref>Based on the age of [[Dirk Benedict]] during the filming of the Original Series. Starbuck is revealed to be from Caprica, as well as Chameleon being his father in "[[The Man With Nine Lives]]".</ref>
* {{inlineref|1910}}: [[Battle_of_Caprica|Battle of Caprica]].
* {{inlineref|1917}}: [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] is born on Caprica. His father is [[Chameleon]].<ref>Based on the age of [[Dirk Benedict]] during the filming of the Original Series. Starbuck is revealed to be from Caprica, as well as Chameleon being his father in "[[The Man with Nine Lives]]".</ref>
* {{inlineref|1918}}
* {{inlineref|1918}}
** '''November 11''': Earth's [[w:World War I|World War I]] officially ends.<ref>Jamie Hamilton makes a ''slight'' error when she tells the Galacticans that "20 years later, in 1939, World War II broke out" in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]". However, she was reciting this from memory, so it's an understandable error.</ref>  
** '''November 11''': Earth's [[w:World War I|World War I]] officially ends.<ref>Jamie Hamilton makes a ''slight'' error when she tells the Galacticans that "20 years later, in 1939, World War II broke out" in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]". However, she was reciting this from memory, so it's an understandable error.</ref>  
* {{inlineref|1924}}: The [[Attack on Umbra]] describes a sneak attack by the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]]. Nearly three thousand children were orphaned, including [[Starbuck]]
* {{inlineref|1939}}
* {{inlineref|1939}}
** '''September 1''': Earth's World War II begins.<ref>As confirmed by [[Jamie Hamilton]] in her conversation to the Galacticans in [[Zee's chamber]] ([[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II]]).</ref>
** '''September 1''': Earth's World War II begins.<ref>As confirmed by [[Jamie Hamilton]] in her conversation to the Galacticans in [[Zee's chamber]] {{G80|Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II}}.</ref>
* {{inlineref|1943}}: [[Troy (1980)|Boxey]] is born to [[Serina]] on Caprica.<ref>This calculation is based on [[Noah Hathaway]]'s age during the filming of the Original Series. This would make Boxey seven years old in "[[Saga of a Star World]]" and 37 years of age in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]" -- which happened to be the age of [[Kent McCord]] when he played the role.</ref>
* {{inlineref|1943}}: [[Troy (1980)|Boxey]] is born to [[Serina]] on Caprica.<ref>This calculation is based on [[Noah Hathaway]]'s age during the filming of the Original Series. This would make Boxey seven years old in "[[Saga of a Star World]]" and 37 years of age in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]"&mdash;which happened to be the age of [[Kent McCord]] when he played the role.</ref>
* {{inlineref|1944}}: [[Xavier]] arrives in [[w:Nazi Germany|Nazi Germany]] and poses as a British scientist and Nazi sympathizer. He volunteers to work with the [[w:V-2 rocket|V-2 rocket program]] and introduces Colonial technology, in hopes of changing history by ensuring a Nazi victory in [[w:World War Two|World War Two]].<ref>Described in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II]]".</ref>
* {{inlineref|1944}}: [[Xavier]] arrives in [[w:Nazi Germany|Nazi Germany]] and poses as a British scientist and Nazi sympathizer. He volunteers to work with the [[w:V-2 rocket|V-2 rocket program]] and introduces Colonial technology, in hopes of changing history by ensuring a Nazi victory in [[w:World War Two|World War Two]].<ref>Described in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II]]".</ref>
**'''June 4''': Troy, Dillon and Hamilton's time destination.<ref name="gde2">Depicted in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II]]" and "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III]]".</ref>
**'''June 4''': Troy, Dillon and Hamilton's time destination.<ref name="gde2">Depicted in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II]]" and "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III]]".</ref>
**'''June 5-6''': Hamilton, Troy and Dillon arrive in Nazi Germany a day before the [[w:D-Day|D-Day]] invasion. With the help of a [[Stockwell|U.S. agent]], they locate Xavier and force him to return to 1980.<ref name="gde2"/>
**'''June 5-6''': Hamilton, Troy and Dillon arrive in Nazi Germany a day before the [[w:D-Day|D-Day]] invasion. With the help of a [[Stockwell|U.S. agent]], they locate Xavier and force him to return to 1980.<ref name="gde2"/>
* {{inlineref|1947}}: The United States Air Force begins [[w:Project Blue Book|Project Blue Book]], a 22 year long investigation into unidentified flying objects.<ref>Project Blue Book is mentioned in a disclaimer at the end of every ''Galactica 1980'' episode. [[Colonel Sydell]]'s new organization within the US Air Force in the series has a similar mandate, and the disclaimer was apparently put in place to assure viewers that Sydell's organization was fictitious, and not to be confused with the real project that had concluded years before.</ref>
* {{inlineref|1947}}: The United States Air Force begins [[w:Project Blue Book|Project Blue Book]], a 22 year long investigation into unidentified flying objects.<ref>Project Blue Book is mentioned in a disclaimer at the end of every ''Galactica 1980'' episode. [[Colonel Sydell]]'s new organization within the US Air Force in the series has a similar mandate, and the disclaimer was apparently put in place to assure viewers that Sydell's organization was fictitious, and not to be confused with the real project that had concluded years before.</ref>
* {{inlineref|1948}}: The [[Fifth Fleet]] engages the Cylons at the [[Battle of Molecay]]. ''[[Pegasus (TOS)|Pegasus]]'' is the only Colonial vessel to survive. [[Commander Cain]], realizing that the Cylons were doubtless lying in wait along the entire route back to the Colonies, orders ''Pegasus'' out into deep space towards the [[Krillian Star System]] and [[Gamoray]].<ref>Two yahrens prior to the events of "[[The Living Legend, Part I]]".</ref>
* {{inlineref|1948}}: The [[Fifth Fleet]] engages the Cylons at the [[Battle of Molecay]]. ''{{TOS|Pegasus}}'' is the only Colonial vessel to survive. [[Commander Cain]], realizing that the Cylons were doubtless lying in wait along the entire route back to the Colonies, orders ''Pegasus'' out into deep space towards the [[Krillian Star System]] and [[Gamoray]].<ref>Two yahrens prior to the events of "[[The Living Legend, Part I]]".</ref>


==1950==
==1950==
Line 75: Line 77:
The Cylons, over this 30 year period, develop completely new technologies and evolve considerably - "beyond the wildest fears" of the Colonials, according to Dr. Zee. These new technologies include improved Cylon Raiders and the creation of humanoid Cylons.<ref>The increased technological prowess of the Cylons is described in "[[The Super Scouts, Part I]]" and "[[The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I]]".</ref>
The Cylons, over this 30 year period, develop completely new technologies and evolve considerably - "beyond the wildest fears" of the Colonials, according to Dr. Zee. These new technologies include improved Cylon Raiders and the creation of humanoid Cylons.<ref>The increased technological prowess of the Cylons is described in "[[The Super Scouts, Part I]]" and "[[The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I]]".</ref>


Also, during this period, the Imperious Leader is apparently replaced, as his voice is considerably different by 1980.<ref>When the Imperious Leader is shown in "[[Space Croppers]]", he is no longer voiced by [[Patrick Macnee]], but instead by [[Dennis Haysbert]].</ref>
Also, during this period, the Imperious Leader is apparently replaced, as his voice is considerably different by 1980.<ref>When the Imperious Leader is shown in "[[Space Croppers]]," he is no longer voiced by [[Patrick Macnee]], but instead by [[Dennis Haysbert]].</ref>


Sometime prior to 1970, [[Captain Apollo]] dies.<ref>Troy refers to Apollo's death in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]".  This apparently happens before the events depicted in "[[The Return of Starbuck]]" as Starbuck does not mention Apollo when relating to Boomer people he wishes to say goodbye to. In addition, Apollo's death is apparently a mystery to the Fleet, or so the script for "[[The Wheel of Fire]]" indicates.</ref>
Sometime prior to 1970, [[Captain Apollo]] dies.<ref>Troy refers to Apollo's death in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]".  This apparently happens before the events depicted in "[[The Return of Starbuck]]" as Starbuck does not mention Apollo when relating to Boomer people he wishes to say goodbye to. In addition, Apollo's death is apparently a mystery to the Fleet, or so the script for the unfilmed episode "[[The Wheel of Fire]]" indicates.</ref>


* {{inlineref|1951}}: [[Dillon]] is born in space aboard a vessel in the Colonial Fleet. <ref>Based on the age of [[Barry Van Dyke]] at the time of filming.</ref>
* {{inlineref|1951}}: [[Dillon]] is born in space aboard a vessel in the Colonial Fleet. <ref>Based on the age of [[Barry Van Dyke]] at the time of filming.</ref>
Line 87: Line 89:
* {{inlineref|1970}}: [[Starbuck (1980)|Starbuck]] is stranded on a [[Planet Starbuck|desolate planetoid]], where he rebuilds the Centurion named [[Cyrus]] (nicknamed "Cy" by Starbuck). Some time later at this same location, Dr. [[Zee]] is born to the mysterious woman, [[Angela]]. <ref>Events of the flashback sequence of "[[The Return of Starbuck]]".  Dr. Zee is a pre-teen child, who appears to be roughly ten years of age.  Reasoning backward, he was born c. 1970.</ref>
* {{inlineref|1970}}: [[Starbuck (1980)|Starbuck]] is stranded on a [[Planet Starbuck|desolate planetoid]], where he rebuilds the Centurion named [[Cyrus]] (nicknamed "Cy" by Starbuck). Some time later at this same location, Dr. [[Zee]] is born to the mysterious woman, [[Angela]]. <ref>Events of the flashback sequence of "[[The Return of Starbuck]]".  Dr. Zee is a pre-teen child, who appears to be roughly ten years of age.  Reasoning backward, he was born c. 1970.</ref>


:After 1970
* {{inlineref|After 1970}}:


::Dr. Zee's ship catches up to the Fleet. <ref>The voyage of Dr. Zee's ship is shown in "[[The Return of Starbuck]]"</ref>.
::Dr. Zee's ship catches up to the Fleet. <ref>The voyage of Dr. Zee's ship is shown in "[[The Return of Starbuck]]"</ref>.


::Lt. Boomer is promoted to Colonel.<ref>By the time of "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]" Boomer has assumed this rank.</ref>
::Lt. Boomer is promoted to Colonel.<ref>By the time of "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]" Boomer has assumed this rank, while he still held this rank in the flashback scenes in "[[The Return of Starbuck]]".</ref>


::Commander Adama grows a beard.<ref>Adama has a large Moses like beard throughout ''1980'', with the exception of the flashback scenes in "[[The Return of Starbuck]]".</ref>
::Commander Adama grows a beard.<ref>Adama has a large Moses like beard throughout ''1980'', but did not have it in the flashback scenes in "[[The Return of Starbuck]]".</ref>


::Boxey begins to go by the name "Troy" as he grows older.<ref>Troy mentions this in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]", although Adama still refers to him as thus in a private conversation before being shown the [[invisibility field]].</ref>
::Boxey begins to go by the name "Troy" as he grows older.<ref>Troy mentions this in "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]," although Adama still refers to him as Boxey in a private conversation before being shown the [[invisibility field]].</ref>


:1977
* {{inlineref|1977}}:


::Dr. [[Donald Mortinson]] begins work on his nuclear degeneration formula.<ref>According to [[Dorothy Carlyle]], Dr. Mortinson had been working on nuclear degeneration for three years as of "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]".</ref>
::Dr. [[Donald Mortinson]] begins work on his nuclear degeneration formula.<ref>According to [[Dorothy Carlyle]], Dr. Mortinson had been working on nuclear degeneration for three years as of "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]".</ref>
Line 103: Line 105:
==1980==
==1980==


''Galactica's'' long range probes arrive in the Solar System. They positively identify the third planet as Earth.
''Galactica''{{'|s}} long range probes arrive in the Solar System. They positively identify the third planet as Earth. ''Galactica'' and the Colonial Fleet reach Earth. <ref>"[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]".</ref>
 
''Galactica'' and the Colonial Fleet reach Earth. Adama is now over 130 yahrens old. Troy is 37.


''Galactica 1980'' episodes "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]" through "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III|Part III]]"
''Galactica 1980'' episodes "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I]]" through "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III|Part III]]"


:Troy, Dillon and Jamie head back in time to the American Revolution to find [[Xavier]].  <ref>Troy, Dillon and Jamie are about to head off on this mission at the end of "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III]]"</ref>  The team is apparently successful in stopping Xavier, as there are no apparent changes to Earth's history.<ref>No reference to Xavier having achieved his goals is made in the subsequent episodes.</ref> Xavier escapes being brought into custody, however, and remains in Earth's past. While there, he perfects a process of cellular transformation which can allow him to assume the appearance of others. <ref>Xavier's activities are related in "[[Spaceball]]".</ref>
:Troy, Dillon and Jamie head back in time to World War II and then to the American Revolution to find [[Xavier]].  <ref>Troy, Dillon and Jamie are about to head off on this mission at the end of "[[Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III]]"</ref>  The team is apparently successful in stopping Xavier, as there are no apparent changes to Earth's history.<ref>No reference to Xavier having achieved his goals is made in the subsequent episodes.</ref> Xavier escapes being brought into custody, however, and remains in Earth's past. While there, he perfects a process of cellular transformation which can allow him to assume the appearance of others. <ref>Xavier's activities are related in "[[Spaceball]]".</ref>


:Jamie returns to Earth, and back to the job she was offered with the United Broadcasting Corporation. <ref>As of "[[The Super Scouts, Part I]]", Jamie is back at work at UBC.</ref>
:Jamie returns to Earth, and back to the job she was offered with the United Broadcasting Corporation. <ref>As of "[[The Super Scouts, Part I]]," Jamie is back at work at UBC.</ref>


:In light of the unknown aircraft violating U.S. airspace, which are in reality Colonial Vipers, the United States Air Force dedicates new funds to the tracking of U.F.O.s.
:In light of the unknown aircraft violating U.S. airspace, which are in reality Colonial Vipers, the United States Air Force dedicates new funds to the tracking of U.F.O.s.
Line 152: Line 152:


==1981==
==1981==
Events that take place after ''Galactica 1980''
:In the 1980 continuity, the series ends in the middle of the story with Adama in command of ''Galactica'', and Dr. Zee finally aware of his origin.
:Xavier remains at large on the Earth, apparently having given up his attempts to alter Earth's past.
:The Cylon Empire has still not discovered Earth, but they have been able to locate the fleet twice, and two Cylons who accidentally crashed on Earth were narrowly stopped from revealing its location. In other words, the Cylons are about to discover Earth.
:The Galacticans are continuing their policy of gradually introducing technological change to Earth.


:The planned but never filmed Starbuck episode "[[The Wheel of Fire]]" would have taken place at this time.
:The planned but never filmed Starbuck episode "[[The Wheel of Fire]]" would have taken place at this time.
Line 171: Line 161:
==Notes==
==Notes==


The crux of this timeline is the claim that the series is set 30 years after the events of the Original Series. This was done in large part to explain the cast changes, and is chiefly supported on screen by the aging of [[Troy (1980)|Troy]], who was a child in the first series.  However, the 30 year date only appeared in promotional material and in interviews, and was not seen on screen. Alternative suppositions, where there was a much shorter gap, would help explain the paradox of the lunar landing depicted in "Hand of God" and the apparent youth of some of the characters.
The central year of this timeline is 1980, the year when the series is set.  In promotional material and subsequent interviews, it has been noted that Galactica 1980 was set 30 years after the events of the Original Series. This was done in large part to explain the cast changes, and is chiefly supported on screen by the aging of [[Troy (1980)|Troy]], who was a child in the first series.   


== References ==
== References ==
<div style="font-size:85%"><references/></div>
{{reflist}}


[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:A to Z]]
Line 180: Line 170:
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:1980]]
[[Category:1980]]
[[fr:Chronologie (1980)]]

Latest revision as of 17:39, 24 February 2024

This article or section has been marked for cleanup and revision.
Should there be a need to discuss the merits of the claim, discuss them on the talk page.
Part of the series on
Timelines of the Battlestar Galactica series


The timeline below chronicles the events depicted in the classic Battlestar Galactica television program and its spin-off, Galactica 1980.

The timeline is given in "Earth" years, BC and AD, not by Colonial yahren.


On Kobol[edit]

  • Before c. 5397 BC
The Beings of Light intervene at the beginning of human development on the planet that would come to be known as Kobol. Adama refers to these beings as the "Mother Race".
  • c. 5397 BC
The beginning of the Colonial calendar.
  • c. 4050 BC
The beginning of recorded human history, on the mother world - the planet Kobol. [1]

The Exodus[edit]

  • c. 4050 BC to c. 40 AD
The original 13 tribes leave Kobol and head out into space. Twelve of the tribes settle near each other in the area known as the Twelve Colonies of Man. The remaining Thirteenth Tribe heads to Earth.

Exodus through 20th Century[edit]

  • 69 BC - 30 BC
Life of Cleopatra VII of Egypt.[2]
  • c. 950 AD
The Cylons attack the Hasari, whose territory neighbors the Colonies, who intervene to assist their neighbor. As a result of this intervention, the Thousand Yahren War begins between the Colonies and the Cylon Empire. [3]
  • c. 1450 AD
Approximate time that Galactica is launched. Back then, the celestial chambers on Galactica were used to confirm navigational headings. [4]
  • 1776 AD
Xavier arrives in Revolutionary America and tries to change history. Troy, Dillon and Jamie Hamilton follow him, and thwart his plans, but he apparently escapes to another time frame. [5]
  • prior to 1850
Adama is born. [6]

1900-1949[edit]

1950[edit]

The destruction of the Colonies, thirty years before Galactica discovers Earth.[15][16]

The episodes and events of the Original Series are set during this period.

1951 - 1979[edit]

The period between Battlestar Galactica (TOS) and Galactica 1980.

The Cylons, over this 30 year period, develop completely new technologies and evolve considerably - "beyond the wildest fears" of the Colonials, according to Dr. Zee. These new technologies include improved Cylon Raiders and the creation of humanoid Cylons.[17]

Also, during this period, the Imperious Leader is apparently replaced, as his voice is considerably different by 1980.[18]

Sometime prior to 1970, Captain Apollo dies.[19]

  • 1951: Dillon is born in space aboard a vessel in the Colonial Fleet. [20]
  • 1960: The last attack by the Cylons on the Colonial fleet until 1980. [22]
  • After 1970:
Dr. Zee's ship catches up to the Fleet. [24].
Lt. Boomer is promoted to Colonel.[25]
Commander Adama grows a beard.[26]
Boxey begins to go by the name "Troy" as he grows older.[27]
  • 1977:
Dr. Donald Mortinson begins work on his nuclear degeneration formula.[28]

1980[edit]

Galactica's long range probes arrive in the Solar System. They positively identify the third planet as Earth. Galactica and the Colonial Fleet reach Earth. [29]

Galactica 1980 episodes "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I" through "Part III"

Troy, Dillon and Jamie head back in time to World War II and then to the American Revolution to find Xavier. [30] The team is apparently successful in stopping Xavier, as there are no apparent changes to Earth's history.[31] Xavier escapes being brought into custody, however, and remains in Earth's past. While there, he perfects a process of cellular transformation which can allow him to assume the appearance of others. [32]
Jamie returns to Earth, and back to the job she was offered with the United Broadcasting Corporation. [33]
In light of the unknown aircraft violating U.S. airspace, which are in reality Colonial Vipers, the United States Air Force dedicates new funds to the tracking of U.F.O.s.
Dr. Zee leads a project to build a new saucer-shaped fighter craft, designed to thwart the Cylons.[34]
The Cylons determine to test some of their new technologies on the Colonial refugees. They plan to first attack the freighter Delphi, a straggling vessel in the Colonial Fleet, which happens to function as the Fleet' school.[35]

Galactica 1980 episodes "The Super Scouts, Part I" and "Part II"

Troy and Dillon spend a few days away from the children on an unknown mission.[36]
Having spent an inordinate amount of money investigating the Super Scouts, Colonel Sydell's budget is questioned by his superiors in the United States Air Force.[37]
Xavier returns to the present time from Earth's past, and assumes the form of Lt. Nash of Galactica. [38]

Galactica 1980 episode "Spaceball."

Xavier remains at large on Earth, without a Viper, stranded in the present and on the ground.
In another test of their new technologies, the Cylons send out new, advanced fighters, manned by Centurions and humanoid Cylons, to search for the elusive Colonial fleet.[39]
October 31 - November 1, 1980
Galactica 1980 episode "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I" [40]
Galactica 1980 episode "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part II"[41]
Late 1980
The Imperious Leader and his three base ships, catch up to Galactica and the Fleet, but the location of Earth remains elusive. [42]
Galactica 1980 episode "Space Croppers".
Galactica maintains its first colony on Earth, and the Super Scouts remain there, relocating from the baseball camp where they had been staying.
Galactica 1980 episode "The Return of Starbuck".
The scripted but only partially shot episode "The Day They Kidnapped Cleopatra" would have taken place here.

1981[edit]

The planned but never filmed Starbuck episode "The Wheel of Fire" would have taken place at this time.

1990[edit]

In Dr. Zee's projection of what could have happened in the future, environmental damage and population expansion has rendered Paradise Valley polluted and crowded. If Dr. Zee's warning was in fact heeded by the people of Paradise Valley, however, these events may not have come to pass.[43]

Notes[edit]

The central year of this timeline is 1980, the year when the series is set. In promotional material and subsequent interviews, it has been noted that Galactica 1980 was set 30 years after the events of the Original Series. This was done in large part to explain the cast changes, and is chiefly supported on screen by the aging of Troy, who was a child in the first series.

References[edit]

  1. At the beginning of "Saga of a Star World," it is mentioned that the peace conference is being held at the beginning of the 7th millennium of human history, which would mean human history was just crossing into its 6,000th year. 6,000 years prior to "Saga of a Star World," which is noted later in this timeline as happening in 1950, would be circa 4,000 BC.
  2. A partially filmed, but never aired episode of Galactica 1980, entitled "The Day They Kidnapped Cleopatra" was partially set in 30 BCE. The announcement of the cancellation of the series by ABC came during the filming, and the episode was never completed. This episode would have brought back the time travel plot device used in the first episode. Additionally, Egyptian themes were used frequently in Battlestar Galactica, such as the city of Eden in "Lost Planet of the Gods".
  3. The Thousand Yahren War begins 1,000 years before "Saga of a Star World" which, as noted later in this timeline, is set around 1950.
  4. A 500 year old celestial chamber is depicted in "The Hand of God".
  5. The trip to 1776 is referred to at the end of "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III" but not shown on screen. Xavier's plans are mentioned at the start of "Spaceball".
  6. Adama reveals he is over a hundred yahrens old in "Lost Planet of the Gods".
  7. Based on the age of Dirk Benedict during the filming of the Original Series. Starbuck is revealed to be from Caprica, as well as Chameleon being his father in "The Man with Nine Lives".
  8. Jamie Hamilton makes a slight error when she tells the Galacticans that "20 years later, in 1939, World War II broke out" in "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I". However, she was reciting this from memory, so it's an understandable error.
  9. As confirmed by Jamie Hamilton in her conversation to the Galacticans in Zee's chamber (1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II").
  10. This calculation is based on Noah Hathaway's age during the filming of the Original Series. This would make Boxey seven years old in "Saga of a Star World" and 37 years of age in "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I"—which happened to be the age of Kent McCord when he played the role.
  11. Described in "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II".
  12. 12.0 12.1 Depicted in "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II" and "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III".
  13. Project Blue Book is mentioned in a disclaimer at the end of every Galactica 1980 episode. Colonel Sydell's new organization within the US Air Force in the series has a similar mandate, and the disclaimer was apparently put in place to assure viewers that Sydell's organization was fictitious, and not to be confused with the real project that had concluded years before.
  14. Two yahrens prior to the events of "The Living Legend, Part I".
  15. Officially, Galactica 1980 was set 30 years after the events of the Original Series. This piece of information is never specifically mentioned on screen, but was mentioned in promotional advertising and noted in background material for the program.
  16. http://www.tv.com/galactica-1980/show/1252/summary.html
  17. The increased technological prowess of the Cylons is described in "The Super Scouts, Part I" and "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I".
  18. When the Imperious Leader is shown in "Space Croppers," he is no longer voiced by Patrick Macnee, but instead by Dennis Haysbert.
  19. Troy refers to Apollo's death in "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I". This apparently happens before the events depicted in "The Return of Starbuck" as Starbuck does not mention Apollo when relating to Boomer people he wishes to say goodbye to. In addition, Apollo's death is apparently a mystery to the Fleet, or so the script for the unfilmed episode "The Wheel of Fire" indicates.
  20. Based on the age of Barry Van Dyke at the time of filming.
  21. Based on the age of actress Robyn Douglass at the time of filming, who portrayed Jamie Hamilton. She identifies herself as an American in "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III".
  22. There has not been a Cylon attack in almost a generation prior to "The Super Scouts, Part I". A generation is typically denoted as 20 years.
  23. Events of the flashback sequence of "The Return of Starbuck". Dr. Zee is a pre-teen child, who appears to be roughly ten years of age. Reasoning backward, he was born c. 1970.
  24. The voyage of Dr. Zee's ship is shown in "The Return of Starbuck"
  25. By the time of "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I" Boomer has assumed this rank, while he still held this rank in the flashback scenes in "The Return of Starbuck".
  26. Adama has a large Moses like beard throughout 1980, but did not have it in the flashback scenes in "The Return of Starbuck".
  27. Troy mentions this in "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I," although Adama still refers to him as Boxey in a private conversation before being shown the invisibility field.
  28. According to Dorothy Carlyle, Dr. Mortinson had been working on nuclear degeneration for three years as of "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I".
  29. "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I".
  30. Troy, Dillon and Jamie are about to head off on this mission at the end of "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III"
  31. No reference to Xavier having achieved his goals is made in the subsequent episodes.
  32. Xavier's activities are related in "Spaceball".
  33. As of "The Super Scouts, Part I," Jamie is back at work at UBC.
  34. The saucer project is revealed in "The Super Scouts, Part II" and shown again in "Space Croppers".
  35. Just prior to "The Super Scouts, Part I"
  36. Briefly mentioned in "[Spaceball]]".
  37. Just prior to "Spaceball"
  38. Just prior to "Spaceball"
  39. Just prior to "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I"
  40. "The Night the Cylons Landed" is specifically noted to occur on Halloween.
  41. Episode ends in the early hours of November 1.
  42. Just prior to "Space Croppers"
  43. Possible future revealed in "The Super Scouts, Part II".