In discussing the birth, rise, fall and destruction of civilizations, the organization of time is an important topic.
Typically, historians organize time relating to the prominent civilizations from a time, and then compare said timeline to others, to attempt to create a universal timeline. However, some of these historians want to make a standard for time measurement. Regardless, both systems work in tandem.
Organizing time[]
As stated, time is typically organized in reference to the prominent civilizations. Currently, Zeterra is the most prominent civilization, which uses the timeline dubbed "ZE", standing for "Zeterran Era". Below is a list of the different Eras, relating to their respective civilizations.
To refer to time before a certain Era, it is advised to use a "-". For example, to refer to 500 years before ZE 0, you would say "ZE -500".
ZE (Zeterran Era)[]
As mentioned above, ZE stands for "Zeterran Era", and begins at Year 0 of the First Age. ZE ends at present day, and continues onward, until Zeterra either falls, or is assimilated into another civilization.
SE/NE (Spiritkin/Nightkin Era)[]
SE/NE are considered to have started at the same time. SE/NE time begins at about ZE -10,000. SE ends at ZE 2356, and NE continues.
UE (Uares Era)[]
UE is considered to have begun at about ZE -35,000, although this figure is assumed to be inaccurate. UE ends at about ZE -9,800.
DE (Dragon Era)[]
DE is considered to have begun at about ZE - 50,000, but, like UE, is assumed to be inaccurate, instead to a much greater degree, as very few documents from DE have survived until present day. DE is thought to have ended at ZE -9,800, in line with UE, as the two civilizations were combined following the Uares-Dragon Wars.
Currently, we're unsure what comes before DE 0, ZE -50,000, let alone if the 50,000 figure is accurate.