Ancient Conflict Proves Valuable to Palpatine’s Plot
The Star Wars Legends continuity reveals that Palpatine’s plan to turn the galaxy against the Jedi was heavily influenced by an ancient conflict that spanned over 5,000 years. The Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order were divided by a series of brutal wars known as the Pius Dea Era, which saw a cult of humanocentric zealots install a dynasty of fanatics in the Republic’s political system and military.
The Jedi Order recused itself from the Republic due to its ethical disagreements with the Pius Dea, but it eventually became involved in the conflicts again. The Jedi returned to overthrow the Pius Dea-controlled Republic at the behest of the Caamasi, a species who suffered from the crusades. The Jedi formed a splinter faction within the Republic called the Renunciates, which opposed the Pius Dea.
The Jedi Order itself had a splinter faction known as the Order of the Terrible Glare, which corrupted Jedi teachings by following the xenophobic ways of the Pius Dea. This would not be the last time the Jedi held political positions within the Republic, as they would voluntarily relinquish these titles and positions following the supposed destruction of the Sith.
Palpatine used this ancient conflict to his advantage, manipulating the Republic populace’s mistrust of the Jedi. He weaponized the Jedi Order’s history, using it to assist his coup in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. By rekindling the sinister fire of humanocentrism within his Galactic Empire, Palpatine turned public opinion against the Jedi Knights, exploiting generations-old prejudices against them.
