Commentary on and Timeline of Historical Events in
the 'Dune' Universe



I have used the original Frank Herbert novels and the following site:
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=phD1PAIf9F46mZGpDD4btFA
as a guide, assuming events described but undated in novels are
accurate and giving extensive editing of information in
the quoted Dune timeline.

The following events fit in closely with and provide an explanation
for the events and philosophies described in the original novels:

Note: BA=Before Atomics (i.e years before 1945 CE),
AA=Atomic and Space age
BG=Before Guild
AG=After Guild

Likely Timeline of Important Events,
in probable order even when no date is given

?? BA-Sandtout are introduced on Arrakis. They gradually
transform the planet into the desert world 'Dune' (the only
source in the known universe of Spice and fundamental to
instantaneous interstellar travel) and grow into the Sandworms
which produce Spice
c.3200 BA-Birth of Agamenmon in Mycenae, direct ancestor
of Atredies line
c.2500 to c.1300 BA-Births of Prophets Buddha, Christ and
Mohammed
1 AA-First use of Atomics in warfare (1945CE)
Beginning of Space Age, developments in computers, genetics
and cloning

Colonisation of the Solar System creates First Empire
Probable use of Cyborgs at this time to preserve life of fatally
injured individuals

(c. 1000 AA ?-)Buddhist and Islamic sects unite under
'Buddhismlamic' faith

(c.2000 AA ?-) Destruction of much of Terra (Earth) by asteroid

Establishment of Second Empire (Interstellar) via sublight vessels
Split in Buddhislam
Zensunnis denied Hajj to Terra

Zensunnis, including Sufi ancestors of Bene Tleilax, leave Second
Empire (i.e 'Known Space')

At some point they settle on Arrakis, possibly 8000 years relative
to Terra at sublight or relativistic speeds

Tleilaxu home world(s) settled
After this period the Jews also leave Second Empire

(c.10,000 AA ?-)The Bene Gesserit (in some form) probably
originate from after this time,possibly from a combination
of Jesuit and Jewish roots.Later they establish breeding records.

The anti-geriatric and prescient properties of the Melange
Spice are discovered during the reign of Shaddak the Wise

(Before 200 BG ?-)Holtzman takes credit for Norma Cenva's
developments in space folding (and shields?). A revolution
in warfare and transport begins which is only interrupted
by the God-Emperor's reign ten millenia later.

c.200 to 100 BG-Religous-inspired revolution against all
computers ('Thinking Machines');later known as the Butlerian
Jihad which is still in force by the death of the God-Emperor
Leto 2 (c.13,500 AG). Presumably the use of 'Thinking Machines'
stifles Human creativity. It is also possible that many planets
were colonised by and for Cyborgs (or 'Cymeks') who
transported, still in embryos during transmission, Humans who
were used as slaves in the construction and maintenance of the
extra-solar colonies.

Bene Tleilax begin using Axolotl Tanks for cloning now that
computers are banned. The Tleilaxu now apparently have a
monopoly on genetic research also. At some point Gilbertus
Albans founds the 'Mentat' discipline and seeks shelter with
the Tleilaxu.

The Spacing Guild establishes a monopoly on interplanetary travel,
dependent on the continuous production of Spice.This allows the
Third Empire to be created with no independent planets possible
without discovery by the Empire and the Spacing Guild.

The Orange Catholic Bible is commissioned. Presumably this is the
last major gathering of Humans on Terra.

Also: establishment of the Great Convention and the Rules of Kanly
to limit civilian casualties in warfare by prescribing a form of
legal assassination

Beginning 11th Millenium AG-Birth of Paul Atredies, Fremen Jihad
in the name of Muad-Dib overthrows Padisha Emperor and leads to
3,500 year reign of Leto 2 Atredies. Dune (Arrakis) terraformed.

Suppression of Mentats and prohibition of Shield technology by
Leto 2

Supply of Spice to Spacing Guild and Bene Gesserit rationed.
Interstellar travel much reduced as a result of this.
Value of Spice increases with the decrease in the Sandworms
which produce it.

13,500 AG-Death of God-Emperor and re-introduction of Sandtrout

Sandworms return to Rakis (Arrakis)

The Scattering

(before) 15,000 AG-Development of Ixian no-ships and production
of axolotl-produced Spice by Tleilaxu ends both Guild monopoly on space
travel and production of Spice from a single source

15,000 AG-Destruction of Rakis by Honoured Matres and Second Scattering