The Duration of the Clone Wars: Timeline and Context

Whether you are a long-time fan of the Star Wars saga or just a casual observer, the Clone Wars have captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. But have you ever wondered exactly how long the Clone Wars lasted? This article will dive into the details of the Clone Wars' timeline and explore different perspectives on its duration.

How Long Did the Clone Wars Last?

In the current canon, specifically within the New Canon established by Lucasfilm, the Clone Wars are known to have started in 22 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) and ended in 19 BBY. This means that the conflict lasted for approximately three years. The New Canon is consistent in this aspect, although it does leave room for possible revisions down the line.

Timeline in the Legends Continuity

In the Legends continuity, fans had access to a more detailed timeline thanks to the Clone Wars Multimedia Project (CWMMP). This timeline used a unique ten-month, 368-day system, which included five-day weeks, festivals weeks, and holidays.

According to the CWMMP, the Battle of Geonosis took place on the 21st day of the 5th month in 22 BBY. The final event, Order 66, which led to the destruction of the Jedi Order and the shutdown of the droid army, occurred on the 22nd day of the 5th month in 19 BBY.

These dates allowed for a more precise calculation of the war's duration. By taking into account the three festival weeks and three holidays, the total duration of the Clone Wars can be calculated as follows:

22 BBY: 5353521 BBY: 53535 - 368  5316720 BBY: 53167 - 368  5279919 BBY: 52799 - 368  52431

Converting these days into standard years, the result is approximately three standard years, one month. For us, this would be around three years and a half months.

The TV Series Timeline

The animated series The Clone Wars aired from 2008 to 2020, but the actual conflict it depicted, based on the canon timeline, lasted only three years: 22 BBY to 19 BBY. The series provided a detailed look at the events of the Star Wars universe, from the revelation of the clone army to the fall of the Separatist leaders and the end of the Jedi Order.

Understanding the Timeline

The Clone Wars Conflict: The conflict began with the First Battle of Geonosis during the events of Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones. The war lasted roughly three years, from 22 BBY to 19 BBY, concluding with the deaths of Dooku and Grievous and the activation of Order 66. The end of the war came with the destruction of the Jedi Council and the rise of the Empire.

Significant Events:

The Battle of Geonosis (22 BBY) The deaths of Dooku and Grievous (19 BBY) Order 66 and the Jedi Purge (19 BBY) The Rise of the Empire (19 BBY)

It's important to note that while the show depicted the conflict over a longer period, the actual duration of the war according to the canon was three years. This highlights how the narrative can amplify the experience of the conflict, making it feel longer than its actual length.

Conclusion

The Clone Wars, a pivotal period in Star Wars history, spanned a relatively short three-year period in the New Canon. For those who study the Legends continuity, the use of a unique calendar system and detailed timelines can provide even more insights. Understanding these timelines is crucial for fans of the saga, as they help to place the events of the war into their correct context.