Shattering

The Shattering of Adonalsium was the major event to occur within the cosmere, during which the sixteen Shards were created. These Shards were taken up by sixteen different Vessels, who from then on became known as Shardholders.Specific force ... Sixteen Shards Hoid was witness to it, though whether he simply observed it or caused it remains in question.Observer or instigator? Be that as it may, the event was intentional. Whether the intent was malevolent or otherwise also remains in question.Intentional event ... malevolent? 
In addition to Hoid, Khriss and Nazh are also well aware of the Shattering of Adonalsium:
At the time of the Shattering, Adonalsium (hence, the Shards) was/were presumably on Yolen. However, after the Shattering, Autonomy (for example) went to Taldain, but Investiture had been assigned to her on First of the Sun.
Further, after the Shattering, but before they started created humans (or something other), all Shards had roughly the same amount of raw power.Raw power ...
==Speculation==
A reader has speculated that Adonalsium was Shattered by a Dawnshard.
==Q&A with Brandon==
Q. Did people exist on Nalthis prior to Endowment's arrival there?
A. Some worlds had people before the Shattering.Planetary populations
Q. Before Adonalsium was shattered, was there magic in the cosmere and what form did it take?
A. Yes, and when I write Dragonsteel, you shall see the answer to this.Magic in the Cosmere
==References==
Category:Cosmere