Final Fantasy VI timeline

The Settei Shiryou Hen Guide Book for FFVI lists a timeline of events in the VI universe that begins during the War of the Magi and details events in history up until the game starts.

Timeline
-1200 The Eastern Country of Doma is founded as a nation according to oral tradition.

-1000 The War of the Magi ends and Espers are no longer seen after this time.

-980 The remaining copies of "The Authentic Record of the War of the Magi" at Doma are lost.

-735 World Peace Conference is held. The Head of the Council declares "Espers are extinct".

-685 The Empire declares independence as a military state and aims to create a global police force.

-600 In Doma, warriors called "Samurai" start being formally trained.

-208 Successive Industrial Revolutions and Artistic Revivals occur.

-202 The completion of Figaro Castle is completed in the Northern Kingdom of Figaro.

-199 Discovery of a large coal vein. People dreaming of riches gather and an industrial nation is formed.

-150 Narshe starts its own political system with the hopes of mutual cooperation. It is transformed into a unified nation.

-84 After the industrial revolution, the mechanization of Figaro Castle proceeds.

-72 Gestahl is born as heir to a military family. Figaro Castle's initial submersion is a failure. A temporary palace is built at South Figaro.

-68 Figaro Castle's 3rd submersion is a success. From then on, it is feared as the "illusory castle".

-59 A coup d'etat occurs in the Empire. Gestahl's father is heavily involved

-38 Increasing pressure for expansion of armaments in the Empire. That year, the Imperial Palace at Vector is completed.

-20 Gestahl becomes Emperor at 52 years old. He displays uncanny charisma. Narshe refuses to trade coal with the invading Empire with armed resistance. A pact for mutual peace is agreed upon.

-18 The Empire's first military campaign. They conquer the southern continent. Also, the Magitek Research Facility is established.

-12 The reorganization of the Imperial army command structure with Kefka, Leo and others is completed. The Empire announces the initial results of its research at the Magitek Research Facility.

-8 The Empire's second military campaign. Immediately following the release of experimental Magitek Armor into combat, the western continent is conquered. Figaro forms an alliance with the Empire. Upon allying with the Empire, there is a small riot in South Figaro.

-7 Figaro's previous king (Edgar's and Sabin's father) dies.

-3 Skirmishes between Doma and the Empire begin.

-2 Starting with Doma, the Empire's third military campaign begins.

-0 The discovery of a frozen Esper in the deepest part of the Narshe coal mines. Final Fantasy VI begins.