In the Star Wars universe, the timeline is often measured using the designations BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) and ABY (After the Battle of Yavin). These markers are based on the pivotal event of the Battle of Yavin, which occurs in Star Wars: A New Hope (Episode IV) when the Rebel Alliance successfully destroys the first Death Star. This moment serves as the central reference point for dating events in the galaxy far, far away, much like how Earth’s historical events are often categorized as BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era). These elements in Star Wars are critical to understanding the Star Wars timeline of events for fans.
BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) is used to indicate the years leading up to this major battle. For example, the Clone Wars began in 22 BBY, which means they started 22 years before the destruction of the Death Star. Similarly, Anakin Skywalker was born in 41 BBY, making him 41 years old by the time of the Battle of Yavin. This system allows fans and historians of Star Wars to track important galactic events, such as the rise of the Empire in 19 BBY, when Emperor Palpatine executed Order 66 and turned the Republic into the Galactic Empire.
On the other hand, ABY (After the Battle of Yavin) marks events occurring after the destruction of the Death Star. For instance, The Empire Strikes Back takes place in 3 ABY, meaning three years after the Battle of Yavin. Return of the Jedifollows in 4 ABY, marking the fall of Emperor Palpatine and the end of the Galactic Civil War. Later, in 9 ABY, The Mandalorian takes place, showcasing the fragmented remnants of the Empire before the rise of the First Order. By 34 ABY, The Force Awakens begins, introducing a new era of conflict between the Resistance and the First Order.
The BBY/ABY system provides a standardized way of organizing Star Wars history across films, books, comics, and TV shows. Since the franchise spans thousands of years of lore, from the ancient Sith Wars to the era of the Skywalkers and beyond, having a single fixed event like the Battle of Yavin makes it easier for fans to understand where events fall in the grand timeline. Even though other calendars exist within the galaxy—such as the Republic Era dating system—BBY/ABY remains the most widely used system, particularly in official sources and fan discussions.
Ultimately, BBY and ABY serve as crucial tools for structuring Star Wars lore. They help link the numerous stories told across different media, ensuring consistency in storytelling. Whether tracking the fall of the Jedi, the rise of the Sith, or the struggles of the Rebellion and the Resistance, this timeline framework allows for a cohesive understanding of the vast Star Wars saga.