Rise of the Empire Era
Era
"What I remember about the rise of the Empire is⦠is how quiet it was. During the waning hours of the Clone Wars, the 501st was discreetly transferred back to Coruscant. It was a silent trip; We all knew what was about to happen, what we were about to do. Did we have any doubts? Any private traitorous thoughts? Perhaps, but no one said a word. Not on the flight to Coruscant, not when Order 66 came down, and not when we marched into the Jedi Temple. Not a word."
―Anonymous 501st clone trooper
The Rise of the Empire era, sometimes referred to as the Prequel era, takes place between 1,000 BBY (the Seventh Battle of Ruusan) and 0 BBY (the Battle of Toprawa). In other terms, it encompasses all the Golden Age of the Old Republic.
The events of Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Episode II: Attack of the Clones, and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith take place during the twilight of this era. The events of The Clone Wars also happen in this era.