Dune Timeline Explained: Present To The Year 10191

Warning: Contains SPOILERS from the Dune books

The story of Dune takes place in a distant timeline far beyond many similar science fiction franchises. Unlike works such as director Denis Villeneuve’s Blade Runner 2049 – which imagines a dystopian near-future – Dune is set approximately 20,000 years further into human existence. Not only does this help the saga to feel completely unique, but also allows it to explore familiar themes in an entirely new and exhilarating setting.

The plot of the first novel in the Dune series, which forms the backbone of Villeneuve’s latest venture, centers around the noble House Atreides and their journey to the planet Arrakis. Arrakis, also known as Dune, is a desert planet and the only known production center of the spice melange – a substance that not only grants heightened awareness but also facilitates interstellar travel. Despite their assignment to Arrakis, the Atreides are soon betrayed by their bitter enemies, the bloodthirsty Harkonnens. Only a handful survive the initial attack, including Duke Leto Atreides’ son, Paul. Paul and his mother flee into the desert where they are adopted by the local Fremen people, who quickly realize that Paul Atreides is their foretold leader. Thus begins a guerilla campaign against Arrakis’ Harkonnen oppressors, as well as Paul’s ascension to almost messianic status.

Such is the richness of the Dune universe that it pays to have some understanding of the context in which it is set. For instance, although technological advances play a significant part, the story also revolves around environmental changes and the transformation of Arrakis’ ecology. To help provide some clarity, as well as set up the new movie, here is a timeline of key events from our present up until the year 10191, the time in which Dune takes place.

Present Day-1287 B.G (Before Guild) – The Old Empire

In the lore of the Dune books, details about the Old Empire – which it is inferred heralded from existing human civilization on Earth – are incredibly scarce. What is made clear is that, at some point, human beings developed the technology to travel faster than light (although, not fold space to enable near-instantaneous travel as is possible in the age of spice), enabling them to explore distant planets. Although the empire was corrupt and moribund by the time of its fall, it was during this age that Arrakis (and, ultimately, spice itself) was discovered. Eventually, in the year 1287 B.G, a genetically altered human known as Tlaloc led a group of 20 people known as Titans to overthrow the Empire and bring about a new age.

1182 B.G – The Birth of Omnius

Although Dune is hugely influential in the science fiction genre, one of the things that sets it apart is the role of technology. Despite the story’s setting 20,000 years into the future, computers, in particular, are notable by their absence. The reasons behind this lie in the story’s distant past. Over 1,000 years before the creation of the Space Guild, society was torn asunder by a conflict with artificial intelligence, beginning with the birth of the machine Omnius. Humanity’s previous rulers, the Titans, became the computer’s servants after Omnius successfully conquered multiple planets. Despite itself taking place over 10,000 years before Dune, this war with technology had a profound effect on the society seen in the film.

200-108 B.G – The Butlerian Jihad

Humanity’s conflict with artificial intelligence continued for nearly 1,000 years until the advent of the so-called Butlerian Jihad – or, Great Conflict. Over two generations of war, the preeminence of machine-logic was ultimately overthrown and replaced by a central tenet of humanity, that “Man may not be replaced“. This thinking is evident throughout Dune, notably when the Reverend Mother Gaius Mohiam tests Paul Atreides’ humanity with the poisonous Gom Jabbar before his journey to Arrakis. It also explains why the world of Dune replaces technology with human replacements wherever possible – for instance, with humans trained to process and think like computers – known as mentats – standing in place of artificial intelligence.

88 B.G – The Battle of Corrin

Although the Butlerian Jihad represents the ascension of man over machine, the conflict did not truly end until the destruction of the machine intelligence known as Omnius at the Battle of Corrin. However, while the confirmation of man’s supremacy is significant in understanding the context of Dune, the year 88 B.G is perhaps most significant for the foundation of the Bene Gesserit religious cult. A network of women spread throughout the known universe, the order’s primary purpose is to guide humanity to pursue a path of stability and attain greater insight. The group also believes that, by selective breeding, they can bring about the birth of the fabled Kwisatz Haderach – a chosen one capable of unlocking genetic memory. The Bene Gesserit themselves are capable of exerting mind control and are often accused of witchcraft – making them a hugely significant part of the Dune mythos.

1 A.G (After Guild) – The New Age

The first year after the foundation of the Space Guild is significant for the Dune saga for several reasons. Not only does it establish the political environment of the series – with the foundation of the imperial Golden Lion Throne and the formation of the Great Houses of the Landsraad (including both the Harkonnens and the Atreides) – but it also represents the moment when the planet Arrakis takes center stage. As the only known source of spice in the universe (which is essential for space travel), control of the planet becomes paramount. This sets up the events of Dune as both House Atreides and House Harkonnen come into conflict over the most important substance known to man. It is worth noting that, in the world of Dune, the Space Guild are the only group entrusted with the responsibility for interstellar travel. Existing entirely separately from imperial rule, the Guild represents a hugely significant independent body and is the locus for substantial political unrest.

10156 A.G – Reign of Shaddam IV

Although the 10,000 years between Shaddam IV’s coronation and the foundation of the Space Guild are filled with incident (especially around the ongoing Atreides and Harkonnen feud), the imperium is mostly defined by relative peace and prosperity – especially compared to the bloodshed endured during the Butlerian Jihad. However, it is during the reign of Padishah Emperor Shadam IV (played by actor José Ferrer in David Lynch’s much-maligned 1984 adaptation) that the dramatic events of Dune eventually take place – marking this as an epochal era. Shaddam IV himself proved to be a controversial ruler, instigating the Great Spice War against the other Great Houses after his work on creating a synthetic substitute for the spice and using his elite Sardaukar fighting force to nearly destroy Arrakis. This strategy proved to be a mistake, weakening his position and ultimately leading him into conflict with House Atreides. Although Shaddam was initially successful in disposing of Duke Leto, his actions brought about the Arrakeen revolt and, ultimately, the fall of the Imperial House.

10190-10191 A.G

10190 marks the moment when House Atreides leave their ancestral home on the planet Caladan and move to Arrakis – ostensibly to take over management of the spice from the Harkonnen’s. Unbeknownst to them, however, the move is a ploy from Baron Vladimir Harkonnen and the Padishah Emperor Shadam IV to destroy the Atreides once and for all. It is at this moment that Dune begins, telling the story of Duke Leto’s son, Paul, and the ultimate ascension of House Atreides.

About The Author

Thomas Lethbridge
(133 Articles Published)

After an eclectic career incorporating scuba diving, cheffing and teaching, Tommy eventually found his calling as a writer. With an early focus on food, he now specialises in all aspects of entertainment. Despite being a Lord of the Rings and Alien obsessive, his real passion is for truly terrible movies. He loves anything with a 0% Rotten Tomatoes rating and rarely passes up an opportunity to watch The Room. Tommy is based in London and joined the Screen Rant team in 2021.

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