- "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[src]
The Rise of the Empire era, sometimes referred to as the Prequel era, takes place between 1000 BBY (the Seventh Battle of Ruusan) and 0 BBY (the Battle of Toprawa). In other terms, it encompasses the whole 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 film and TV series also happen in this era.