Interstellar history Interstellar history was the term for the timeline of events and was a course at Starfleet Academy . ( ) The distant past . Billions of years ago . 16 billion years ago The universe comes into being through a massive explosion known as the Big Bang , gradually condensing into the more standard forms of matter and energy known in present time . At least two members of the Q Continuum , visiting from the future , are known to have taken refuge at the beginning of the cosmos , with one , later known as Quinn , also attempting to conceal the in the maelstrom . ( ) ~ + 5 billion years ago The Guardian of Forever , a sentient time portal of unknown origin and purpose , is created on what will later be known as the time planet at some point preceding the formation of the Sol solar system . ( ) ~ 4 billion years ago The first humanoid species known to evolve explored the cosmos , but found themselves alone . Accepting the lifespan of their own race to be ultimately finite , they chose to spread genetic material throughout the oceans of many worlds of the galaxy , including Andor , Bajor , Betazed , Cardassia Prime , Earth , Indri VIII , Ruah IV , Qo ' noS , Tellar , , Vilmor II , and , so that life on them would eventually develop on paths similar to their own . The ancient humanoids encoded the genetic seeds they left with a message that would be revealed only when their progeny had developed high degrees of technology and cooperation with one another . ( ) One out of every 43 , 000 planets in the galaxy would eventually support intelligent life . ( ) Hundreds of millions of years ago . Over five hundred million years later , the first life developed on the planet Earth . By the time , however , there were already other flourishing civilization throughout the galaxy . A notably advanced civilization is that of Bajor , which already established a flourishing civilization 500 , 000 years prior . At that time , Human s hadn ' t even learned to walk upright . ( ) . Humanoid civilizations . Civilization on Earth began to develop around 5500 BC . Following a classical period of thousands of years , and a millennium of Dark Ages , Human history entered a bright new era or Renaissance , which was the starting point of its advanced civilization . On other M - class worlds similar to Earth , numerous civilizations developed . After several centuries of technological development , many races became spacefaring around the same time . In 2161 several planets formed what was to become known as the United Federation of Planets , an interstellar organization for economic , social , and military cooperation , with the ultimate goal to protect future generations from intergalactic war and conflict . United Federation of Planets . Since its founding in 2161 , the Federation expanded considerably in member worlds . By the 24th century , several hundreds of planets and star systems had joined the organization . However , in its history , it has stumbled upon a number of conflicts with neighboring empires . A long - lasting conflict with the Klingon Empire ended in 2293 , when the Khitomer Conference resulted in a peace treaty between the two powers . The ongoing cold war with the Romulan Star Empire , however , lasted until deep into the 24th century . ( ) Following the peace with the Klingon s , previously considered the Federation ' s traditional adversaries , a Renaissance period for the Federation began , signified by the construction of large exploration starships and the establishment of numerous colonies throughout Federation space and beyond . However , resistance to expansion of the Federation was encountered and the Federation became embroiled in many conflicts during the 2350s , most notably the Cardassian War . Since the military ( Starfleet ) was at its greatest strength , a peace treaty was forced upon the Cardassian Union , but the Federation was about to face two of its greatest threats . ( ) First contact with the Borg was made in 2365 . A conflict with this cybernetic species followed , leading to two major assaults deep into the heart of Federation space . ( ) During the 2370s , contact was made with the Dominion , which hailed from the Gamma Quadrant . The Dominion allied with the Cardassian s and later the Breen and began a massive offensive against the Alpha Quadrant . In response the Federation allied with the Klingons and later also the Romulan s . The Federation alliance was eventually able to win the war , with assistance from former Dominion ally Cardassia , but it left most of the Alpha Quadrant devastated . ( ) A new era of peace with both the Cardassian s and the Romulans was now in reach . Having fought side - by - side during the Dominion War , a mutual respect had grown between the powers , and it is likely a peace will be signed shortly . ( ) Interstellar events . Conflicts of the possible future . 26th century 31st century