Civilizations in Babylon 5

Lore & Background

The Centauri Republic is governed by an emperor and a nobility-driven senate called the Centaurum. Centauri males of high status wear hair in peacock-tail fans, and the species has two hearts. The Dilgar, depicted with pointed ears and vertically elongated pupils, were nearly wiped out when their sun went supernova. The Abbai, a peaceful matriarchal society, were the central force behind the League of Non-Aligned Worlds. The Brakiri, primarily night dwellers, were among the first attacked by the Shadows in 2260 and later by the Centauri in 2262. The Drakh, servants of the Shadows, became major antagonists and used biotechnology, including parasitic Keepers for control.

Reader's Guide

The civilizations of Babylon 5 illustrate themes of empire, decline, and alliance. The Centauri Republic reflects imperial cultures like the British Empire, having grown content and lazy as their power slipped away. The Dilgar War established Earth as an interstellar power and led to the formation of the League of Non-Aligned Worlds, a coalition of smaller races. The Drakh's use of Keepers and nanovirus plague in later conflicts shows the lingering threat of Shadow technology. The Abbai's role in uniting the League highlights the importance of diplomacy among less powerful species. These civilizations collectively create a complex political landscape where alliances shift and ancient conflicts resurface.

Did You Know?

• The Centauri have two hearts; the right heart provides blood circulation, while the left heart cleanses blood like human kidneys.
• The Dilgar's sun went supernova, wiping out almost the entire species except a single civilian colony on Planthos.
• The Abbai have had interstellar flight since the Earth year 1461.
• The Drakh grow parasitic Keepers on their bodies to control hosts through telepathic relay.