The Dune universe, set in the distant future of humanity, has a history that stretches thousands of years (some 15,000 years in total) and covers considerable changes in political, social, and religious structure as well as technology. Creative works set in the Dune universe can be said to fall into five general time periods:

1. The Butlerian Jihad
Legends of Dune prequel trilogy (2002–2004) by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Great Schools of Dune prequel trilogy (2012–2016) by Brian Herbert and Anderson
2. The Corrino-led Imperium
Prelude to Dune prequel trilogy (1999–2001) by Brian Herbert and Anderson
Heroes of Dune series (2008–2023) by Brian Herbert and Anderson
The Caladan Trilogy (2020–2022) by Brian Herbert and Anderson
3. The rise of the Atreides
Dune (1965)
Dune Messiah (1969)
Children of Dune (1976) by Frank Herbert
Heroes of Dune series (2008–2023) by Brian Herbert and Anderson
4. The reign and fall of the God Emperor
God Emperor of Dune (1981) by Frank Herbert
5. The return from the Scattering
Heretics of Dune (1984) by Frank Herbert
Chapterhouse: Dune (1985) by Frank Herbert
Hunters of Dune (2006) by Brian Herbert and Anderson
Sandworms of Dune (2007) by Brian Herbert and Anderson