skyrim 

Pre-Linear Time 

Dawn Era: A mythical, non-linear time of creation where the gods (Aedra and Daedra) and the world of Nirn were formed. 

Merethic Era (ME): Time begins to stabilize. The Elves (Mer) establish early civilizations. 

Era Duration (Years) Key Events 

First Era (1E) 2920 years Rise of the human empires (Alessian and Second/Reman Empire), the Dwemer vanish, and the foundation of major cities and cultures. 

Second Era (2E) 896 years The Interregnum (a long period without a central emperor), The Elder Scrolls Online (2E 582), and the rise of Tiber Septim, who conquers Tamriel. 

Third Era (3E) 433 years The Septim Dynasty rules. This era features most of the classic games: Arena (3E 389-399), Daggerfall (3E 405-417), Morrowind (3E 427), and Oblivion (3E 433). The era ends with the Oblivion Crisis and the end of the Septim line. 

Fourth Era (4E) Still ongoing (at least 201+ years) The Red Year (catastrophe in Morrowind), the rise of the Aldmeri Dominion, the Great War, and the events of Skyrim (4E 201). 

Major Elder Scrolls Games in Chronological Order 

The Elder Scrolls Online 2E 582 Takes place during the Interregnum, hundreds of years before the other main games. 

The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard 2E 864 Spin-off game set toward the end of the Second Era. 

The Elder Scrolls: Arena 3E 389–399 The first game in the series. The Imperial Simulacrum (Jagar Tharn's deception) lasts ten years. 

The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall 3E 405–417 Culminates in the Warp in the West (a Dragon Break). 

The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind 3E 427 Set on the island of Vvardenfell. 

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion 3E 433 The final year of the Third Era, dealing with the Oblivion Crisis. 

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim 4E 201 Set 201 years after the Oblivion Crisis, during the Civil War in Skyrim and the return of the Dragons. 

By, Damien Bruner