I just did a whole collection of back lore from 1.0 for Phoenix Rose's Lore Forum, collecting all the information that was on the collector's edition disc from ARR release. Maybe this will help:
Of course, there is more, chronicling the all the events of 1.0, but I think what you're looking for is in here.
Show Content
Long post is long
In darkness, the Crystal dreams as from the flames of destruction, a beginning rises. Come, brave heroes, heed the Crystal's call. Gather once more and witness a realm reborn.
[br]
The peoples of the Fifth Astral Era will be remembered for building their civilization on a foundation of magic, relentlessly tapping Hydaelyn of her lifeblood to indulge their decadence. The burden on the planet, however, would prove too great. Aetherial balance was lost, and the elements ran wild. At the urgent behest of a party of twelve shadowy figures history remembers only as the Archons, the nations agree to consolidate their remaining resources and form the Grand Companies of Eorzea in an attempt to forestall the coming apocalypse. But it was too little, too late. The damage done to Hydaelyn was irreversible, and the people could only wait and watch as their fates played out.
Rain fell from the skies for three score days and three score nights until all but the highest peaks were submerged in an endless sea. Whole cities were swallowed, entire populations lost. The Fifth Astral Era had come to a close, ushering in the darkness of the Sixth Umbral Era.
[br]
The scars left by the Sixth Umbral Era ran deep, instilling despair into the hears of the realm's survivors. Fearing that its continued use might further their woes, the art of magic was forbidden. Libraries housing ancient tomes were put to flame, while those who practices--or were rumored to practice--the art of spellcraft were hunted down and tried as criminals. Many a learned man met the same demise, as the masses had become so incensed they could no longer distinguish the difference between science and sorcery. With the majority of their greatest minds lost, the few remaining nations of the Fifth Astral Era crumbled and vanished, their peoples scattering about the realm to lay claim to what little resources remained. Driven by the primal urge to survive, tribes and clans banded together into small communities and began a centuries-long journey to rebuild their broken lives.
[br]
Four hundred summers removed from the great deluge, Eorzea's population finally begins to experience a resurgance. Immigrants from islands beyond the Bloodbrine Sea, as well as the eastern continents of Othard and Ilsabard arrive in Aldenard in droves. Three great migratory waves of Hyur also inflict irreversible change in Eorzea's population distribution.
Racial tension hits its peak at this time, with individual races seen gravitating to certain city-states to escape persecution--the Elezen to Ishgard in the highlands of Coerthas; the Lalafell to Belah'dia in the deserts of Thanalan; and the Roegadyn to Limsa Lominsa on the island of Vylbrand. However, even this was not without its problem. It is only a matter of years before clan-based infighting between the Plainsfolk and Dunesfolk Lalafell result in the fall of of Belah'dia and its bifurcation into two new city-states, Ul'dah and Sil'dih.
That is not to say, however, that the period was devoid of racial harmony. Their banishment from the Twelveswood by the spirits of the forest works to strengthen the bonds between the Hyur and Elezen living in the Black Shroud, ultimately leading to their joint establishment of the underground city of Gelmorra.
[br]
For the next several hundred years, the city-states exhibit steady progress as they continue to grow and gain power. When they seek to expand their claim on surrounding lands, however, new complications arise. Territorial feuds betwixt neighbors lead to heightened tensions in the outlands. Indigenous beast tribes such as the kobolds and the Ixal, infuriated with those whom they perceive as invaders, begin to rise in defiance, despoiling the land in protest. Unable to put aside racial differences, Ul'dah and Sil'dih wage their petty war until neither side can remember why it was they fought at all.
As bloody battles break out across the realm, the balance of power begins to shift. Rivers run with blood while coin flows from the hands of the ambitious into the pockets of mercenaries and sellswords.
Ul'dah emerges as rulers of Thanalan after finally conquering their sister city-state and reducing it to rubble. The warring tribes of Gyr Arbania are at long last brought together by the Highland Hyur, and join to form the city-state of Ala Mhigo. Advancements in shipbuilding techniques strengthen Limsa Lominsa's dominion over the seas, while increased dealings with the lands beyond Eorzea transform the maritime city-state into a wealthy melting pot of cultures.
After many long years of developing the art, the people of Gelmorra finally succeed in using conjury to achieve communion with the spirits of the Twelveswood, and convince the elementals to grant them residence in the forest. It is also at this time that the spirits, angered by the violent actions of the Ixal, send the tribe into exile beyond the Black Shroud's protective barrier--the Hedge. Free to emerge from tehir underground refuge, and rid of the troublesome Ixal, the people of Gelmorra establish a new city-state, Gridania.
[br]
Weary of fighting, the people seek to mend bonds that had grown torn and frayed over the centuries. Aggressive tactics are abandoned for diplomacy, and the inter-city-state commerce is restored. As technology and culture are shared, the nations experience prosperity unseen since the Fifth Astral Era. The city-states of Limsa Lominsa, Gridania, Ul'dah, Ishgard, Ala Mhigo, and Sharlayan have matured, and now become the focal points of Eorzean civilization. Peace, for once, finally prevailed in the land.
However, the opening of these doors eventually lead to the closing of others. Fearing their livelihood will be lost or altered by the influx of new people and ideas, independent craftsmen and warriors alike begin banding together to preserve their trades. They form guilds not only to safeguard their knowledge, but to provide themselves with the wherewithal to form business partnerships which will help assure their financial stability.
Unfortunately, where man tread, peace is never long to last. In an attempt to expand their influence into the Black Shroud, Ala Mhigo exploits the realm's illusion of security and launches a series of large-scale campaigns into Inolqa which will eventually lead to the onset of the Autumn War.
[br]
What little magicks the Gridanians have perfected in the generations since their departure from Gelmorra are no match for the sheer martial might of the Ala Mhigan forces, and it appears the sylvan city-state will quickly fall to her invaders. However, in a move most unexpected, the city-states of Ishgard, Ul'dah, and Limsa Lominsa dispatch their armies to Gridania's aid, and just as quickly as the Autumn War began, so it was resolved. Borders are set and treaties are signed. City-states would remain independent, but the rise of one would not be tolerated. And thus peace once again settled over the realm.
Outside Aldenard, the flames of conquest were only beginning to rise. To the north, on the continent of Ilsabard, the Republic of Garlemald begins overwhelming nearby nations with their iron war machines, seizing their land and consuming their cultures. In the year 1552, the leader of the republic, Solus zos Galvus, declares Garlemald an empire and appoints himself emperor. The new imperial army, now swelling with the might of countless assimilated nations, methodically subjugates the eastern continent of Othard and the remaining lands of Ilsabard, welcoming those nations willing to bow to imperial rule, while erasing those which refuse the Garlean standard.
With two of the three great continents now under its control, the Garlean Empire sets its sights on Aldenard, and in the year 1557, sends the XIVth legion to conquer Ala Mhigo in the first step to bring Eorzea's people under imerial rule. The Garlean Empire renames the conquered city-state and the surrounding lands of Gyr Abania to the Ala Mhigan Territory.
[br]
What exactly was the catalyst which triggered the end of the Sixth Astral Era? Was it the beast tries gaining the ability to summon the primals? Was it Nael van Darnus and his execution of the Meteor project? Or was the end begot of several factors? Historians may never be able to point to one sole event, but by the year 1560, the winds of change had already begun to stir.
[br]
![[Image: Final-Fantasy-Xiv.jpg]](http://hdwpics.com/images/0555CC51EC00/Final-Fantasy-Xiv.jpg)
In darkness, the Crystal dreams as from the flames of destruction, a beginning rises. Come, brave heroes, heed the Crystal's call. Gather once more and witness a realm reborn.
[br]
The Sixth Umbral Era
The peoples of the Fifth Astral Era will be remembered for building their civilization on a foundation of magic, relentlessly tapping Hydaelyn of her lifeblood to indulge their decadence. The burden on the planet, however, would prove too great. Aetherial balance was lost, and the elements ran wild. At the urgent behest of a party of twelve shadowy figures history remembers only as the Archons, the nations agree to consolidate their remaining resources and form the Grand Companies of Eorzea in an attempt to forestall the coming apocalypse. But it was too little, too late. The damage done to Hydaelyn was irreversible, and the people could only wait and watch as their fates played out.
Rain fell from the skies for three score days and three score nights until all but the highest peaks were submerged in an endless sea. Whole cities were swallowed, entire populations lost. The Fifth Astral Era had come to a close, ushering in the darkness of the Sixth Umbral Era.
[br]
Rebuilding a Realm
(Year 1~400)
(Year 1~400)
The scars left by the Sixth Umbral Era ran deep, instilling despair into the hears of the realm's survivors. Fearing that its continued use might further their woes, the art of magic was forbidden. Libraries housing ancient tomes were put to flame, while those who practices--or were rumored to practice--the art of spellcraft were hunted down and tried as criminals. Many a learned man met the same demise, as the masses had become so incensed they could no longer distinguish the difference between science and sorcery. With the majority of their greatest minds lost, the few remaining nations of the Fifth Astral Era crumbled and vanished, their peoples scattering about the realm to lay claim to what little resources remained. Driven by the primal urge to survive, tribes and clans banded together into small communities and began a centuries-long journey to rebuild their broken lives.
[br]
Rise of the City-states
(Year 400~1000)
(Year 400~1000)
Four hundred summers removed from the great deluge, Eorzea's population finally begins to experience a resurgance. Immigrants from islands beyond the Bloodbrine Sea, as well as the eastern continents of Othard and Ilsabard arrive in Aldenard in droves. Three great migratory waves of Hyur also inflict irreversible change in Eorzea's population distribution.
Racial tension hits its peak at this time, with individual races seen gravitating to certain city-states to escape persecution--the Elezen to Ishgard in the highlands of Coerthas; the Lalafell to Belah'dia in the deserts of Thanalan; and the Roegadyn to Limsa Lominsa on the island of Vylbrand. However, even this was not without its problem. It is only a matter of years before clan-based infighting between the Plainsfolk and Dunesfolk Lalafell result in the fall of of Belah'dia and its bifurcation into two new city-states, Ul'dah and Sil'dih.
Show Content
Spoiler
![[Image: 500px-Thanalan_FFXIV_Art_1.jpg]](http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130901043439/finalfantasy/images/thumb/e/e2/Thanalan_FFXIV_Art_1.jpg/500px-Thanalan_FFXIV_Art_1.jpg)
Remains of Belah'dia
Remains of Belah'dia
That is not to say, however, that the period was devoid of racial harmony. Their banishment from the Twelveswood by the spirits of the forest works to strengthen the bonds between the Hyur and Elezen living in the Black Shroud, ultimately leading to their joint establishment of the underground city of Gelmorra.
[br]
Tides of War
(Year 1000~1300)
(Year 1000~1300)
For the next several hundred years, the city-states exhibit steady progress as they continue to grow and gain power. When they seek to expand their claim on surrounding lands, however, new complications arise. Territorial feuds betwixt neighbors lead to heightened tensions in the outlands. Indigenous beast tribes such as the kobolds and the Ixal, infuriated with those whom they perceive as invaders, begin to rise in defiance, despoiling the land in protest. Unable to put aside racial differences, Ul'dah and Sil'dih wage their petty war until neither side can remember why it was they fought at all.
As bloody battles break out across the realm, the balance of power begins to shift. Rivers run with blood while coin flows from the hands of the ambitious into the pockets of mercenaries and sellswords.
Ul'dah emerges as rulers of Thanalan after finally conquering their sister city-state and reducing it to rubble. The warring tribes of Gyr Arbania are at long last brought together by the Highland Hyur, and join to form the city-state of Ala Mhigo. Advancements in shipbuilding techniques strengthen Limsa Lominsa's dominion over the seas, while increased dealings with the lands beyond Eorzea transform the maritime city-state into a wealthy melting pot of cultures.
Show Content
Spoiler
![[Image: img_05.png]](http://img.finalfantasyxiv.com/lds/promo/sp/global/images/world/cities/img_05.png)
Ala Mhigo
Ala Mhigo
After many long years of developing the art, the people of Gelmorra finally succeed in using conjury to achieve communion with the spirits of the Twelveswood, and convince the elementals to grant them residence in the forest. It is also at this time that the spirits, angered by the violent actions of the Ixal, send the tribe into exile beyond the Black Shroud's protective barrier--the Hedge. Free to emerge from tehir underground refuge, and rid of the troublesome Ixal, the people of Gelmorra establish a new city-state, Gridania.
[br]
The Calm Before the Storm
(Year 1300~1500)
(Year 1300~1500)
Weary of fighting, the people seek to mend bonds that had grown torn and frayed over the centuries. Aggressive tactics are abandoned for diplomacy, and the inter-city-state commerce is restored. As technology and culture are shared, the nations experience prosperity unseen since the Fifth Astral Era. The city-states of Limsa Lominsa, Gridania, Ul'dah, Ishgard, Ala Mhigo, and Sharlayan have matured, and now become the focal points of Eorzean civilization. Peace, for once, finally prevailed in the land.
However, the opening of these doors eventually lead to the closing of others. Fearing their livelihood will be lost or altered by the influx of new people and ideas, independent craftsmen and warriors alike begin banding together to preserve their trades. They form guilds not only to safeguard their knowledge, but to provide themselves with the wherewithal to form business partnerships which will help assure their financial stability.
Unfortunately, where man tread, peace is never long to last. In an attempt to expand their influence into the Black Shroud, Ala Mhigo exploits the realm's illusion of security and launches a series of large-scale campaigns into Inolqa which will eventually lead to the onset of the Autumn War.
Show Content
Spoiler
![[Image: 750px-Map_of_Eorzea.png]](http://ffxiv.gamerescape.com/w/images/thumb/0/06/Map_of_Eorzea.png/750px-Map_of_Eorzea.png)
World Map
World Map
A New Threat
(Year 1500~1560)
(Year 1500~1560)
What little magicks the Gridanians have perfected in the generations since their departure from Gelmorra are no match for the sheer martial might of the Ala Mhigan forces, and it appears the sylvan city-state will quickly fall to her invaders. However, in a move most unexpected, the city-states of Ishgard, Ul'dah, and Limsa Lominsa dispatch their armies to Gridania's aid, and just as quickly as the Autumn War began, so it was resolved. Borders are set and treaties are signed. City-states would remain independent, but the rise of one would not be tolerated. And thus peace once again settled over the realm.
Outside Aldenard, the flames of conquest were only beginning to rise. To the north, on the continent of Ilsabard, the Republic of Garlemald begins overwhelming nearby nations with their iron war machines, seizing their land and consuming their cultures. In the year 1552, the leader of the republic, Solus zos Galvus, declares Garlemald an empire and appoints himself emperor. The new imperial army, now swelling with the might of countless assimilated nations, methodically subjugates the eastern continent of Othard and the remaining lands of Ilsabard, welcoming those nations willing to bow to imperial rule, while erasing those which refuse the Garlean standard.
With two of the three great continents now under its control, the Garlean Empire sets its sights on Aldenard, and in the year 1557, sends the XIVth legion to conquer Ala Mhigo in the first step to bring Eorzea's people under imerial rule. The Garlean Empire renames the conquered city-state and the surrounding lands of Gyr Abania to the Ala Mhigan Territory.
Show Content
Spoiler
![[Image: News24687.jpg]](http://www.animeclick.it/prove/upload/img/News24687.jpg)
The Ala Mhigan Territory
The Ala Mhigan Territory
Waxing of the Seventh Moon
What exactly was the catalyst which triggered the end of the Sixth Astral Era? Was it the beast tries gaining the ability to summon the primals? Was it Nael van Darnus and his execution of the Meteor project? Or was the end begot of several factors? Historians may never be able to point to one sole event, but by the year 1560, the winds of change had already begun to stir.
[br]
Of course, there is more, chronicling the all the events of 1.0, but I think what you're looking for is in here.
¤ 