Order 66. Just the name sends shivers down the spines of Star Wars fans. But what exactly *was* it? Simply put, it was a secret contingency order programmed into the clone troopers of the Republic. When enacted by Palpatine, then Supreme Chancellor, it branded the Jedi Order as traitors to the Republic, compelling the clones to execute them without question.
The execution of Order 66 was swift and brutal. Across the galaxy, Jedi Knights and Masters, who had fought alongside the clones as comrades, were ambushed and cut down. Iconic figures like Ki-Adi-Mundi and Plo Koon fell victim to this devastating betrayal. The few Jedi who survived, like Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi, were forced into hiding, marking the beginning of the Jedi Purge and the rise of the Galactic Empire.
Order 66 wasn't just a plot point; it was a masterclass in political manipulation and the dangers of blind obedience. It represents one of the darkest chapters in Star Wars history, highlighting the tragic consequences of Palpatine's insidious plan and the fall of the once-powerful Jedi Order.
