Old Empire

From Dune

The Old Empire refers to an era of human civilization preceding the Time of Titans. Specific details of the Old Empire are scarce.

What is known is that humankind, having evolved on Earth, eventually gained the technological ability to expand out to inhabit many other worlds, and explore an even greater number. One such world that was briefly explored was Arrakis, which was discovered toward the last years of the Old Empire.

During the long period of exploration and expansion humanity was governed by an imperial empire under which the inhabited planets affiliated together; this Empire lasted for millennia but grew increasingly stagnant and dependent on technology. Near the end of its existence, it had grown corrupt and inert, its people enslaved by apathy and ennui. Proclaiming the need for change, a revolutionary and political philosopher named Tlaloc emerged but failed to shake up the bored populace.

Seeing that, a few individuals became avid followers of his reactionary ideologies, and began a plot to overthrow the Old Empire and instill themselves as new rulers. During this time the group adopted the names of legendary individuals from human history. One of such followers, Barbarossa, reprogrammed computers giving them human aggression and hunger for power. With the aid of the thinking machines, they conquered the Old Empire in 1287 BG and dethroned its Emperor.

6,850 systems in the Empire resisted and founded the League of Nobles with its capital on Salusa Secundus.

[edit] Organization

Not much is known about the rules, administration and structure of the Old Empire. Some known military ranks dated from the Old Empire or even beyond were Levenbrech, Bator, Burseg, Bashar, Supreme Bashar and others.

These ranks were adopted by the Army of Humanity, replacing the numerical promotions of the League Armada used by the Army of the Jihad.

[edit] Appearances

• Dune: The Butlerian Jihad (Mentioned only)
• Dune: The Machine Crusade (Mentioned only)