RahXephon Timeline

RahXephon has a very detailed plot behind it that spans thousands of years. While the series does indeed play fair with the viewers and generally gives you all the clues you need to sort the story out it can be easy to miss an important reference. Certainly reviews like the one featured on Animeondvd for Volume 7 of this series underline this point. So presented below is my take on the events of the series. This is an exercise in seeing how well the series tracks as well as getting clear in my own head exactly what happened. Nothing quite like writing a detailed timeline to force you to notice details.

Where a date is marked as either estimated or approximated then the date is an infered one drawn either from supporting material or speculated a little on my part. Some are wild speculation, particularly my linkage to Cortez's exploits as a motivation for Bahbem doing a few things. Generally when a day is marked as being estimated then it is an event referenced in the series but no clear time markers are given as to when it occured. A little deductive reasoning has been applied to guess the day on which it occured. I also have drawn a little on the history presented by James Churchward in his book 'The Lost Continent of Mu'. Only a little here as the series itself marks his work as being only loosely connected with the reality the series presents and also because I have only found brief summaries of his book, not the book itself.

It shouldn't need to be said that this is extremely rich in spoilers. I would suggest you don't read this till you have finished the series. Hopefully however it will provide an aid for others who are a little confused about the backstory of the series and want to know exactly what was going on.

• 10,000 B.C. (approximated) The Great Empire of Mu has it's humble beginings on the Continent of Mu. For the next several thousand years expansion over the continent and consolidation into one unified culture occurs along with technological development. Surpasing atomic theory the Mu develop a Grand Unified theory and are able to tap into Quantum effects giving them access to considerable power and materials technology. This line of development culminates in the Xephon project, the ability to tap into the fundaments of the universe and reorder it at will into a desired state.
  
  
• 4,000-3,500 B.C. (estimated) Having conquered their continent the Empire of Mu begins spreading to the rest of the world. In rapid succession colonies are formed in Egypt, South America and Burma. South America is the earliest and most widespread colony effort with the greatest effect on the native peoples of all the colonies. Egypt is second with Burma the last. The architectural styles of the Mu people, along with their technological advancements and culture spread in the world at large. The legend of the Atlantians is born.
  
  
• 3,342 B.C. Bahbem, after many years of research and project work, suceeds in creating an artificial God - the Xephon system. However during construction and testing cataclysmic failiure occurs. The world bifurcates in two, humanity observes the 'destruction' of the Continent of Mu. The legend of Atlantis is strengthened into the tale of hubris and pride we know today. In reality the continent and the Mu people in general have been stranded in an alternate reality Earth, one where the continent is the only major landmass and around 95% of the surface is water covered. Their new situation forces the inhabitants of Mu to resort to the construction of elabourate floating cities to providing living room. Making matters worse the vast bulk of the civic infrastructure on both worlds has been destroyed. Collapse and regression into darker times begins on the human side of the dimensional divide.

  Bahbem however is stranded away from the continent of Mu, seemingly almost as a deliberate touch by the Xephon system itself. He begins study into the failiure and realises that the system works but that the choice of instrumentalist, namely himself, was flawed. Further study reveals that the changes made by the Xephon system are unstable, the cross dimensional split will begin to collapse resulting in a second catclysmic event causing both worlds to become 'a sea of mud'. Only the correct application of the Xephon system can avert this however it has also been split in two with a Black Egg left in the human world and a White Egg with the Mu. To prepare for this Bahbem creates a time keeping system, one sufficiently accurate to span the 5,372 years - taking into account precession, to when the dimensional barrier will have weakened enough to permit the Mu to return with their half of the Xephon.
  
  

• 3,340 B.C.(estimated) Stone tablets, written in Nacaal - the language of the Mu, record the rise and fall of the Great Mu Empire. Copies are stored in Egypt, Burma and South America.
  
  
• 3,320 B.C. (estimated) Bahbem begins cloning replacement bodies for himself and transfering his consciousness between bodies while he awaits the return of the Mu.
  
  
• 3,300 - 3,000 B.C. Collapse of the Burma and Egyptian colonies occurs while the South America colony reverts back to a much simpler way of existing. Thanks to Bahbem's influence however the story of the return of the Xephon and the time keeping is maintained. Echoes of the Mu abound in architecture, culture and science causing the sites of their old colonies to become ripe grounds for flourishing of new civilisations. Bahbem continues in South America shaping the rise of the Mexica peoples who maintain the closest ties to the Mu civilisation as a result.
  
  
• 1576 A.D. Bahbem, noting the rise of Europe as the centre of technological learning most likely to persist through to the required time, creates the 'Nacaal Trading Company' which later reforms into the Bahbem Foundation and moves the centre of operations into Europe. He later relocates again into the Pacific. His hand is somewhat forced by the Spanish whose ruthless conquest of South America led by Hernando Cortez some seventy years earlier results in the final collapse of the last direct cultural link to the Mu empire. Mayan timekeeping falls into neglect and for the next four hundred years the rest of the world is unaware of the nearing deadline.
  
  
• 1700 A.D. (estimated) Bahbem regains contact with the survivors of the Great Mu Empire. While the dimensional shift now permits infrequent contact the barrier is still sufficiently great that physical transfer of materials simply isn't possible. Bahbem relays the results of his research including the pending second catclysmic failiure. He pitches a plan to the Mu to use the Xephon system to reverse the split and unify the two dimensions back into one whole world again, allowing the Mu to return to what they view as their rightful place as premiere culture on Earth. The Mu begin further study of humanity and the plan Bahbem outlines.
  
  
• 1868 A.D. While stationed in India one British Officer, James Churchward, befriends a local Bhuddist monk. Through his friend he is shown stone tablets, written in Nacaal, the last extant copy of the history of the Great Empire of Mu and it's subsequent loss. Taking copious notes James proceeds with a rough translation of the work and begins digging for further evidence of this unknown civilisation.
  
  
• 1926 A.D. After years of research James Churchward publishes the book of his findings. 'The Lost Continent of Mu' debuts on the literary scene to be largely ignored, quickly becoming a relatively obscure title. Hampered by his inability to provide the stone tablets that were the lynchpin of his research his work is ignored in favour of more conventional histories.
  
  
• 1900 A.D. (estimated) The Bahbem Foundation has grown to considerable power and influence. Secretly shaping human development Bahbem has been guiding humanity to the requisite technological level to permit the training of an instrumentalist to occur.
  
  
• 1960 A.D. (estimated) With World War I and II finally over the Mu come to realisation that humanity is too fractious to permit the Xephon tuning to occur. They require ground troops of some description to keep humanity from interferring. Bahbem begins research into the problem eventually proposing a solution that solves two problems in one. Using an offshoot of the Xephon research he proposes the creation of Dolems, clay based titans that serve as linking stones between the two dimensions allowing the consciousness of a Mu to subvert and control a prepared human. This linking process alters the human so linked to become a full blooded Mulian and also tightly binds them to the Dolem in question. Damage sustained by the Dolem results in damage to both the human but also the Mulian still back in the Mu's seperate dimension. While a risky gambit the technology edge that the Mu enjoys over humanity lessens the risk and the big gain is the expenditure required to make the linkage is considerably less than that needed to physicly transfer a Mulian between the dimensions.

  Of course a side effect is that a human personality is often entirely supressed by the dominant Mu one making the transfer. The resultant personality change often makes the Mu stand out and certainly does little to endear the Mu to humans aware of the process. It also speaks volumes to the Mu's opinion of humanity that they consider this an acceptable solution.

  However Bahbem begins to doubt the Mu's resolve to actually use the Xephon system. He fears that they will not use it to its full potential and begins playing a double game of priming humanity to use the Xephon if neccesary.
  
  

• 1980 A.D. (estimated) Thanks to Bahbem Foundation grants Professor Shougo Rikudoh and his assistant Shirou Watari arrive to study the Neriya Shrine, finding contained within the Black Egg of Xephon.
  
  
• 1987 A.D. disturbing information is translated from the ruins at Neriya pointing to the priming of the Xephon with the return of the second component in 2012. Bahbem further primes TERRA to wrest control of the Xephon.
  
  
• 1989 A.D. Sent by the Mu two young woman, Maya Kamina and Quon Al Padis, are spirited forth from an ancient shrine on Nirai-Kanai to be discovered by Shirou Watari. Quon, already close to the correct age to be an instrumentalist for the Xephon, is kept in stasis by the Bahbem Foundation. Her genetic makeup is subsquently used in the instrumentalist program which has been suffering a string of failures using Bahbem's genetic stock alone. Maya however awakens too early to become an instrumentalist herself, instead she helps with the creation of a human instrumentalist as the Xephon system requires. Meanwhile she lives as an adopted daughter with Shougo Rikudoh on Nirai Island.
  
  
• 1996 A.D. (estimated) Shirou Kamina and Maya Rikudoh become married.
  
  
• 1998 A.D. Itsuki and Ayato are born as twin brothers. A composite makeup of Shirou Watari and Quon's genetic material it is hoped one of them will provide the requisite human instrumentalist. Itsuki, along with Bahbem replacement body Helena and D type instrumentalist Isshiki, are reared at the Bahbem Foundation where they are instilled with the knowledge that they are superior to humanity at large being born of a chosen bloodline. Ayato however is given to Shirou and Maya to raise.

  The Bahbem Foundation begins seeding Tokyo with 'D' type cloned instrumentalists, all integrated into the general populace. Providing a ready population base for synchronisation with Dolems.
  
  

• 2005 A.D. (estimated) Helena, Itsuki and Isshiki continue their education at the Bahbem Foundation. A left over of the continuing research into Dolems is discovered by Isshiki and he integrates with this prototype Dolem. The subsequent destruction of that Dolem psychologicly scars Isshiki who is already troubled by his lack of parents. Slowly Isshiki begins to know that he is in reality a cloned and quite expendable instrumentalist. He resolves to prove himself unique and distinguish himself by deeds.
  
  
• 2009 A.D. (estimated) Ayato paints Haruka Mishima standing on a rock looking out to sea, while visiting his father, Shirou Watari, who is still working on the Neriya ruins. This is the begining of the relationship between the two and forms an indelible imprint in Ayato's mind. Upon return to Tokyo the two meet again at school becoming a couple. Here is where Haruka meets Maya Kamina unaware that Maya is the adopted daughter of her uncle Shougo Rikudoh.

  Ayato also enters a picture into the Nationwide Elementary Art competition for that year.
  
  

• 2012 A.D. December 28th The dimensional barrier weakens enough that the Mu send their first city through, appearing over Tokyo in Japan. Sendai city also suffers a visitation with a city appearing over it.
  
  
• 2012 A.D. December 29th Haruka Mishima and her heavily pregnant mother are visiting relatives in Nara watching the news of the appearance of the Mu.
  
  
• 2013 A.D. January 4th Maya activates the absolute barrier which begins establishing itself over Tokyo. The Mu, aware that the Xephon system requires two instrumentalists, engineer a fake war with humanity thanks to the placement of Kuki, Maya and Niwa within the Tokyo environs. Kuki Masayoshi and Niwa, both senior officers within the Japanese Self Defense Force, orchestrate this with the opening act ordered by Kuki - the deployment of a fusion warhead to destroy the city floating over Sendai. Due to the urgent rush the civilian population can not be evacuated and a massive loss of life ensues with the detonation of the device. Michiro Kunugi is killed in this action much to the sorrow of Jin Kunugi, the self defence officer who was ordered by Kuki to detonate the device. This results in the estrangement of his wife who blames him for the death of their child.
  
  
• 2013 A.D. January 6 through till February 12th sporadic Dolem attacks occur across the globe. Six million in Canberra, Australia, alone are killed by these seemingly random attacks including the parents of Kim Hotal. All in order to keep humanity from guessing their true intentions these occasional Dolem excursions create the 'Great Mu War' resulting in the death of millions of people.
  
  
• 2013 A.D. February 12th The absolute barrier around Tokyo completes, now surrounding an area of 160 km diameter containing within it the Mu city of Hiranipra. This city forms the powerbase from which Tokyo is reordered. All eighteen million within the capital are led to believe that the Mu assault has resulted in the destruction of the rest of the Earth and that the Dolem occasionally seen are new secret weapons used to defend the now isolated capital. Only the absolute barrier placed around Tokyo has saved them and while they are fearful of another invasion the vast bulk of the population live relatively normal lives. Including one Ayato Kamina who has undergone extensive mental reconditioning to forget much of his life outside Tokyo before it was secluded. Try as they might one memory stubbornly refuses to be erased, that of a girl standing on a rocky prominary looking out to the sea...
  
  
• 2013 A.D. June (estimated) With the shock of the Mu invasion and the 'Great Mu War' begining to wear off repercussions begin to hit home. Maya Kamina is branded a traitor to humanity for her part in secluding Tokyo, Shirow changes his surname (possibly to avoid the backlash being vented) from Kamina to Watari. Kunugi is held primarily responsible for the actions at Sendai that triggered the war proper and is drummed out of the military. Somehow Shirow manages to convince him to join him at TERRA and help humanity prepare for the day when the Mu will emerge again.
  
  
• 2013-2027 With assistance from the Bahbem Foundation development of Trans Dimensional theory makes rapid strides, along with weapons technology and power generation through tapping into Quantum Zero Point energy. Amongst the world Federation formed to provide a unified front there is growing disquiet at just how much the Bahbem Foundation knows regarding Mu technology and techniques. Bahbem uses his influence to form a force dedicated to rapid response to the Mu threat and continued research. Consequently the Tereno Empireo Rapidmova Reackii Armeo is formed with a charter into responding rapidly to the Mu's incursions outside the absolute barrier as well as continuing research into Mu technology. Suspicion begins to grow that the Bahbem Foundation knows a little too much and may actually be colluding with the Mu. Various branches of the Federation begin investigating this.
  
  
• 2019 A.D. Haruka Mishima and Itsuki Kisaragi meet at college and discuss music theory. Shortly thereafter the two have a relationship that is eventually cut off when Itsuki realises that Haruka still loves someone trapped within the Tokyo Jupiter area. (Indeed because Itsuki is a twin to Ayato one could even say Haruka was drawn to him because of his striking resemblence.)
  
  
• 2020 A.D. (estimated) Haruka Mishima's mother, having given up waiting for her husband inside the Tokyo Jupiter zone, remarries and adopts the new surname of Shitow.
  
  
• 2022 A.D. Haruka, having graduated, gains employment with TERRA bringing her younger sister Megumi with her. Both move in with Shougo Rikudoh, their uncle, on Nirai Island.
  
  
• 2027 A.D. November 24th Operation Overlord begins with fighters providing a distraction over the city of Tokyo while Haruka enters to bring Ayato Kamina out to the real world.
  
  
• 2027 A.D. November 26th Having succesfully extracted Ayato and the RahXephon Haruka returns both back to Nirai- Kanai.
  
  
• 2027 A.D. December 23rd (day estimated) Strategic Intelligence Officer Jimonji, posing as Futagami - a reporter from Amaro News service, begins investigating around Nirai Island. He begins reporting back to the Federation.
  
  
• 2028 A.D. May 5th Megumi Shitow is promoted from trainee officer to Class 3 permanent staff with TERRA. Ayato steals the RahXephon and with Quon proceeds to enter the Tokyo Jupiter zone.
  
  
• 2028 A.D. May 6th (estimated) Due to Ayato's actions in stealing the RahXephon Commander Jin Kunugi is suspended from command and replaced by Makoto Isshiki.
  
  
• 2028 A.D. May 10th (estimated) Ayato escapes from Tokyo Jupiter with Asahina Hiroko.
  
  
• 2028 A.D. May 15th (estimated) Ayato fights the Dolem synchronised with Asahina resulting in the destruction of the Dolem, Asahina's death as well as the unnamed Mu. Futagami, and as a result of following him the Bahbem Foundation, track down Ayato.
  
  
• 2028 A.D. May 19th (estimated) Ayato is returned to TERRA, narrowly escaping being executed for treason by Makoto. Complicating matters is the interference of Ixtli who is manipulating Makoto into doing what is required for Ayato to tune the world.
  
  
• 2028 A.D. May 23rd Operation Downfall results in the destruction of the absolute barrier. This barrier is what has been containing the instrumentalists being prepared by the Mu allowing them to rapidly expand their powerbase out into the world. Sending through the remainder of their cities they deliver an ultimatum, return the RahXephon within twenty four hours or suffer the consequences. This results in Makoto Isshiki being removed from command and incarcerated. His sanity breaks as a result.
  
  
• 2028 A.D. May 24th Kuki Masayoshi combines with a Dolem of considerable power and heads to Nirai-Kanai to force the return of the RahXephon. (Not to mention engage in some very unseemly gloating over Jin Kunugi.) Jin uses an ancient Mu TDD device to establish an absolute barrier over Nirai-Kanai, destroying the massive Dolem hovering over the island and killing Kuki as a result.
  
  
• 2028 A.D. May 26th (estimated) Fighting breaks out in earnest between the Mu and human forces.
  
  
• 2028 A.D. May 27th (estimated) After sailing overnight the civilian population of Nirai-Kanai completes evacuating to Supply Base 707 while the fleet returns to combat. Ayato makes the choice to complete the RahXephon and merge with it. As a part of his frenzied and confused merging he accidentally kills Mamoru Torigai, Elvy Hadhiat and Yagumo Souichi amongst many others. Makoto Isshiki escapes from confinement killing anyone in his path, he makes his way to the ruined church outside the Supply Base where he knows Bahbem will be - awaiting the tuning of the world. Killing the older Bahbem body which is now housing Helena he continues to rant at his discovery that many copies of himself have been made to be expendable combat troops right up to being shot by Bahbem staff. Itsuki, finally weary of the manipulation and unbridled arrogance of Bahbem, threatens to shoot Bahbem (ne Helena) but is stopped by Nanamori who is calculatedly goaded into stabbing him.

  Jumonji (aka Futagami) waits for Bahbem to emerge from the church questioning him to see just how long Bahbem has been manipulating things to reach this end. After finding out what he wanted to know he prevents Bahbem from seeing his project complete the tuning of the world by shooting him. Ayato finaly gets clear in his head exactly what it is he wants to achieve and tunes the world.
  
  

• 2030 (estimated) Soon to be Associate Professor Ayato and Haruka Kamina contemplate the latest painting by Ayato of a girl in a yellow dress standing on a rock looking out to sea. Their child, Quon, looks on approvingly from the cot and one painting on a wall shows a stylised winged titan...

There you have it. If you spot any errors please give me a yell via email and let me know about em.