Foundation Timeline
Journey through the key events that shaped the Foundation universe—from the Robot Era to the Second Foundation
Susan Calvin Born
Birth of Dr. Susan Calvin, the legendary robopsychologist who would shape the future of robot-human relations. Her groundbreaking work at U.S. Robots established the principles of robopsychology.
First Positronic Brain
U.S. Robots develops the first successful positronic brain, implementing the Three Laws of Robotics. This revolutionary technology becomes the foundation for all future robots.
R. Daneel Olivaw Activated
R. Daneel Olivaw, the most advanced humaniform robot ever created, is activated. He would become one of the most influential figures in galactic history, guiding humanity for millennia.
Hari Seldon Born
Birth of Hari Seldon on Helicon, who would become the father of psychohistory and architect of the Foundation Plan to preserve civilization through the coming dark age.
Psychohistory Founded
Hari Seldon presents his mathematical framework for psychohistory at the Decennial Convention. This revolutionary science allows statistical prediction of large-scale human behavior.
Seldon's Trial
Hari Seldon is tried for treason on Trantor. He reveals his prediction: the Galactic Empire will fall, followed by 30,000 years of barbarism. He proposes the Foundation to reduce this dark age to 1,000 years.
Foundation Established
The Foundation is established on Terminus, at the edge of the galaxy. Ostensibly a project to create the Encyclopedia Galactica, it is actually the first step in Seldon's grand plan.
First Seldon Crisis
The Foundation faces its first crisis when the neighboring kingdoms threaten its independence. Mayor Salvor Hardin resolves the crisis through political cunning: "Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent."
Religion as Tool
Salvor Hardin's policy of using religion as a political tool proves successful. The Foundation's scientific "priesthood" spreads influence across the Four Kingdoms without military force.
The Trader Era Begins
Foundation traders begin spreading throughout the galaxy, establishing economic dominance. Hober Mallow, a Master Trader, becomes a key figure in extending Foundation influence.
The Mule Appears
A mysterious mutant known as the Mule emerges, possessing the power to manipulate emotions. He is the unpredictable variable that Seldon's psychohistory could not foresee, threatening the entire Foundation Plan.
The Mule's Conquest
The Mule conquers the Foundation, something Hari Seldon's Plan did not predict. The Seldon recording appears confused, proving the Plan has been disrupted by an unpredictable force.
Second Foundation Established
The secret Second Foundation is established at "Star's End" (actually Trantor). Composed of mentalics, they are tasked with guiding the Seldon Plan from the shadows and correcting deviations.
Search for Second Foundation
The Foundation begins actively searching for the Second Foundation, seeing it as a threat to their independence. Meanwhile, the Second Foundation works to restore the Seldon Plan after the Mule's disruption.
Golan Trevize's Mission
Councilman Golan Trevize is exiled to search for the Second Foundation and Earth. His journey will lead to the discovery of the true nature of galactic history and a choice that will determine humanity's future.
Era Legend
Robot Era
The age of robots and Earth
Galactic Empire
The peak and fall of the Empire
The Foundation
The First Foundation on Terminus
Second Foundation
The secret guardians of the Plan