Thread: Chronology of Eras

Does anyone know how time is measured across each era?

For example, on the official site is says the following:

"In the Year 1557 of the Sixth Astral Era, a mere thirty-six years from the Empire's founding..."

Have they ever specified if years begin their count anew in each era, or if it is a comprehensive total? Will the 7th Umbra Era begin with year 1 or will it continue with the last year of the previous cycle?

Thanks for the clarification, it was just something that came to mind recently.

Oh, I see what you're asking. I believe it resets for each Era. Cause Thancred mentions the last apocalypse (the flooding in the Sixth Umbral Era) was "more than a thousand years past." in the "Career Opportunities" quest.

Similar to how Elder Scrolls resets their year count for each Era (currently in the 4th Era).

Originally Posted by Rau

Was there any information regarding what happened in the previous eras? Were they all marked by catastrophes?

All Umbral eras were, we only know that the 1st Umbral era marked the end of the time of gods, the 4th Umbral era wiped out the Alagan Empire, and the 6th Umbral era was a huge flood. Nothing else about the rest of them, they are lost in history, no one on Eorzea knows what happened exactly.

Yup, every apocalypse was themed after one of the 6 elements. The 7th apocalypse makes it special since there's no specific element tied to it.

Originally Posted by Jacien

Yup, every apocalypse was themed after one of the 6 elements. The 7th apocalypse makes it special since there's no specific element tied to it.

The 7th Umbral era is a none elemental one, it had to be because all 6 elements have been represented, that's why everyone believed the 6th Umbral era was the last.

Originally Posted by Jacien

Yup, every apocalypse was themed after one of the 6 elements. The 7th apocalypse makes it special since there's no specific element tied to it.

To be more specific, Nael tells us that it is his master's (Bahamut's) wish that the cycle of astral and umbral eras be ended.
It is not yet clear if Bahamut was properly successful in that objective.

Yeah we spent the entire game so far in the 1557'th year of the 6'th astral, we will now start anew in the 5'th year of the 7'th umbral.