The Imperial Period took place from the Declaration of a New Order in 19 BBY—the transition of the democratic Galactic Republic into autocratic Imperial rule—until the death of Emperor Palpatine at the Battle of Endor in 4 ABY. The era was characterized by the beginning and later rule of the Galactic Empire, giving the period its name. It was also known by such nicknames as the Imperial era, the Dark Times, or the Birth of the Rebellion.