Although the Force has always existed, it was first identified and developed by the group of "wizards and mystics" who eventually formed the Jedi Order. While the Jedi learned more about this energy field that binds together time, space, and living beings, the Jedi Order grew and spread, carrying the word of the Force to the galaxy's far-flung planets and cultures. The citizens of a thousand worlds coined a name for this curious phenomenon, the Force, and recognized the Jedi Knights as the presiding experts in its use. During the history of the Galactic Republic, the people of the galaxy developed a deeper understanding of the Force. This overview of important historic events serves to demonstrate how the path of the Jedi paralleled the development of galactic society.