Ancients
Highly intelligent race which gained prominence approximately 300,000
years
ago.
Specific evidence of the Ancients is rare, and is almost always found
in
the form of ruins or destruction. Most of what is known about the
Ancients
has been gleaned from archeological excavations of Ancient sites: the
remains
of cities, bases, outposts, and settlements of the Ancients.
Scientific
dating techniques have established that a "Final War"
spanning a 2000-year period destroyed virtually all of the Ancients at
that
time.
The influence of the Ancients is broadly felt in the universe. Humans from Terra were transported to
many
worlds by the Ancients; their descendants became the Vilani and the Zhodani,
as well as the 46 known minor human
races.
The Vargr have been shown (through
genetic testing)
to be descendants of genetically
manipulated
Terran canines (apparently, the canine stock was acquired at the same
time
the humans were taken from Terra). Ancient artifacts which have been discovered show a
very
high tech level and an equally high degree of sophistication; such
artifacts
often reveal new, previously undiscovered or unexploited technologies.
The Ancients were responsible for several major features within the
region
now occupied by the Imperium.
Their
warfare resulted in the large proportion of asteroid belts throughout
explored
space. There is evidence they created the multiworld rosette at Tireen
(Knaeleng 2910, in the Vargr Extents).
Scattered empty cities (most severely damaged by battle) stand as
evidence of their wars; most, however, are restricted areas under
investigation by
the Imperium and not open to the public. One notable exception is
the world Antiquity
(Corridor 0816). The Antiquity
Ancients site is open to tourists: its fascinating museum displays many
wondrous
and mystifying artifacts. many of which are still in working condition.
The Shionthy (2306 Spinward
Marches) asteroid belt is believed to have been formed during one
unusually
intense battle between Ancient forces. Reports indicate that
other
Ancient sites within the Regina
subsector are currently being
excavated, both
by official expeditions and clandestinely by treasure hunters.
See also Antiquity,
Droyne, Humaniti,
Solomani Hypothesis, Vargr.
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