⚡
Wilhuff Tarkin's Timeline
Key Events in Wilhuff Tarkin's Star Wars Story
Wilhuff Tarkin (Grand Moff) was born in 64 BBY and died in 0 BBY.
Wilhuff Tarkin was an Eriaduan bureaucrat, military officer, and politician whose career bridged the final decades of the Galactic Republic and the rise of the Galactic Empire. Born into the prestigious, militaristic Tarkin family in 64 BBY, he served in the Republic's Outland Regions Security Force and as Governor of Eriadu before returning to military service during the Clone Wars, where he became a close ally of Chancellor Sheev Palpatine. Under the Empire he rose to become the first Grand Moff, commanding the Outer Rim territories, and he championed the "Tarkin Doctrine" of rule through fear of overwhelming force. He is best known for overseeing the completion of the first Death Star, ordering the destruction of Alderaan, and dying aboard the battle station when it was destroyed by Luke Skywalker at the Battle of Yavin in 0 BBY.
64 BBY - Birth on Eriadu
Wilhuff Tarkin is born on the Outer Rim world of Eriadu, a scion of the ambitious and militaristic Tarkin family.
Republic Era - Early Career and Governorship
Tarkin serves in the Republic's Outland Regions Security Force before entering politics, eventually becoming lieutenant governor and then Governor of Eriadu and the Seswenna sector.
~22 BBY - Clone Wars Service
With the outbreak of the Clone Wars, Tarkin renews his military service as a captain in the Republic Navy, serving under Jedi General Even Piell.
~21 BBY - Imprisonment at the Citadel
Captured and held at the Separatist Citadel prison, Tarkin is rescued alongside Even Piell by a Jedi-led team including Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano, deepening his ties to the Republic's leadership.
~19 BBY - Rise Under Palpatine
Promoted to admiral and increasingly trusted by Chancellor Palpatine, Tarkin becomes a leading figure in the militarization of the Republic as the Clone Wars draw to a close.
19 BBY - Founding of the Empire
With the proclamation of the Galactic Empire, Tarkin is named its first Moff and is given oversight of the secret Death Star project, helping formulate the Tarkin Doctrine of rule through fear.
~18-4 BBY - Grand Moff and Imperial Enforcer
Elevated to the rank of Grand Moff, Tarkin is granted authority over the Outer Rim. He pursues rebel cells, oversees Imperial projects, and works to bring the Death Star to completion.
0 BBY - Death Star Operational and Destruction of Alderaan
The Death Star becomes operational under Tarkin's command. To demonstrate its power and coerce Princess Leia Organa, he orders the annihilation of the planet Alderaan.
0 BBY - Death at the Battle of Yavin
Refusing to evacuate the battle station, Tarkin is killed when Luke Skywalker destroys the Death Star during the Battle of Yavin.
View Wilhuff Tarkin in our timeline:
- The Clone Wars (TV series), 22 BBY (42 years old)
- Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, 19 BBY (45 years old)
- The Bad Batch, 19 BBY (45 years old)
- Star Wars Rebels, 5 BBY (59 years old)
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, 0 BBY (64 years old)
- Episode IV: A New Hope, 0 BBY (64 years old)
Learn more on Wookiepedia.com
Back to All Characters
More Star Wars Character Timelines
Browse all characters or explore the full Ultimate Star Wars Timeline.