First Era (Elder Scrolls)
Overview of the First Era
The First Era, often abbreviated as 1E, is a significant period in the history of Nirn, the world of the Elder Scrolls series. This era is marked by the rise and fall of empires, the establishment of key political and cultural institutions, and significant events that shaped the future of Tamriel, the continent where most of the Elder Scrolls games take place. The First Era spans approximately 2920 years, beginning with the founding of the Camoran Dynasty and ending with the assassination of the last Akaviri Potentate.
Founding of the Camoran Dynasty
The First Era officially begins with the founding of the Camoran Dynasty by King Eplear in 1E 0. Eplear united the Bosmer tribes of Valenwood and established a stable government, marking the beginning of recorded history in Tamriel. The Camoran Dynasty played a crucial role in the early political landscape of Tamriel, influencing the development of other regions and cultures.
Rise of the Ayleid Empire
The Ayleids, also known as the Heartland High Elves, were a powerful civilization that dominated the central region of Tamriel, known as Cyrodiil, during the early First Era. The Ayleid Empire is renowned for its advanced magical practices and architectural achievements, including the construction of the White-Gold Tower. However, their rule was characterized by the enslavement and harsh treatment of the Nedic peoples, leading to widespread unrest and eventual rebellion.
Alessian Rebellion and the Slave Revolt
The oppressive rule of the Ayleids led to the Alessian Rebellion, a pivotal event in the First Era. Led by Alessia, a slave who received divine guidance from the goddess Kynareth, the rebellion successfully overthrew the Ayleid overlords. In 1E 243, Alessia was crowned the first Empress of the newly established Alessian Empire, marking the end of Ayleid dominance and the beginning of human ascendancy in Cyrodiil.
The Dragon Break and the Marukhati Selective
The Dragon Break is a mysterious and controversial event that occurred during the First Era, characterized by a temporal anomaly that disrupted the linear flow of time. This event is closely associated with the Marukhati Selective, a religious sect that sought to purify the worship of the god Akatosh. The Dragon Break had profound implications for the metaphysical structure of Nirn and remains a topic of debate among scholars and historians.
The Rise and Fall of the Reman Empire
The Reman Empire, named after its founder Reman Cyrodiil, emerged in the latter part of the First Era. Reman united the fractured territories of Cyrodiil and expanded the empire's influence across Tamriel. The Reman Empire is notable for its military prowess and the establishment of the Imperial Legion. However, internal strife and external pressures eventually led to the empire's decline, culminating in the assassination of the last Reman emperor in 1E 2920.
The Akaviri Invasions
The First Era witnessed several invasions from the continent of Akavir, a mysterious land located to the east of Tamriel. The most notable of these invasions occurred in 1E 2703, when the Tsaesci, a serpent-like race, launched an assault on Tamriel. The Akaviri forces were eventually repelled by the combined efforts of the Reman Empire and its allies. The Akaviri invasions had a lasting impact on Tamrielic culture, particularly in the adoption of Akaviri martial traditions and architectural styles.
The End of the First Era
The First Era came to a close with the assassination of Savirien-Chorak, the last Akaviri Potentate, in 1E 2920. This event marked the end of centralized imperial authority and the beginning of the Interregnum, a period of political fragmentation and chaos. The transition from the First Era to the Second Era set the stage for significant changes in the political and cultural landscape of Tamriel.