Dark Times


 * Not to be confused with the The Dark Time; a period in the history of Gallifrey.

The Dark Times was one of the earliest aeons in the history of the Universe.

Overview
The Doctor described this as a time of chaos "before our reality" when the Nestenes and Great Vampires flourished during this time (DW: The Infinite Quest), as well as the Carrionites (DW: The Shakespeare Code) and the Racnoss, the last-named species having its defeat at the hands of the Fledgling Empires. (DW: The Runaway Bride) The Carrionites raged a war with the Hervoken. (NSA: Forever Autumn) It was during this time period, too, that the legendary spaceship Infinite was created. (DW: The Infinite Quest)

Chronological placement
When the Dark Times actually occurred is not known. The Doctor implied that the Dark Times ended with the destruction of the Racnoss, which occurred 4.5 billion years ago. (DW: The Runaway Bride) On the other hand, the war between the Hervoken and the Carrionites was said to occur a mere million years ago. (NSA: Forever Autumn)