The Bene Gesserat are the ancient Terran ancestors of the Bene Gesserit. They originated on Terra near Mesopotamia and begun keeping historical archives which they kept for millennia. They lived throughout most of the First Empire and saw the birth of several saviors throughout the ages. Eventually they were divided in northern and southern groups until geopolitical changes brought them together again. Machinations of their male saviors who became aristocrats and rulers also saw to this end.