One Piece fans know the deal — Oda doesn’t drop lore randomly. Every little hint about the Void Century is deliberate, and if you're paying attention, it points to a much larger truth:
The true history of the world is hidden... and it’s explosive.
This isn’t just some "lost time" subplot. The Void Century is the beating heart of the One Piece mythos — and today, we're diving into what really might have happened during those 100 forbidden years.
What Is the Void Century?
So here’s the basic breakdown:
The Void Century is a 100-year period (from 800 to 900 years ago) that’s been completely erased from official history by the World Government.
Why? Because something went down. Something big.
And the powers that be don’t want you to know about it.
This era saw the fall of a mysterious yet ultra-advanced Ancient Kingdom, the rise of the World Government, and the creation of the Poneglyphs — giant indestructible stone tablets that carry the last surviving truth.
Want the full visual breakdown?
Here’s a video that explains everything with deep lore context:
The Ancient Kingdom vs. The World Government
The Ancient Kingdom wasn’t just some peaceful utopia that got overthrown.
Many fans believe it was a revolutionary force — opposing tyranny, championing freedom, and maybe even leading a resistance against 20 other kingdoms that ultimately became the World Government.
Here’s a quick table to break it down:
| Aspect | Ancient Kingdom | World Government |
|---|---|---|
| Time Period | Before 800 years ago | Formed after the Void Century |
| Ideology | Freedom, knowledge, truth | Control, secrecy, order |
| Technology | Highly advanced (e.g., ancient weapons) | Mostly military/political dominance |
| Legacy | Remembered via Poneglyphs & the Will of D. | Maintains historical silence |
The Role of the Poneglyphs
You’ve seen them — huge stone slabs written in a forgotten language.
What makes the Poneglyphs so important?
They’re the last record of the Void Century — messages from the Ancient Kingdom, hidden across the world to preserve the truth.
Nico Robin is literally the only person alive (as far as we know) who can read them. Which makes her a walking national threat.
The Will of D. — A Fire That Won’t Go Out
Now here’s where it gets wild.
The people with “D.” in their name — Monkey D. Luffy, Gol D. Roger, Trafalgar D. Water Law — they all seem connected to this hidden past.
It’s been implied that the Will of D. is tied to the Ancient Kingdom. Maybe they’re descendants. Maybe they’re the “inheritors” of its ideals. Either way —
D. is the enemy of the gods.
And we all know who the “gods” are in One Piece: the Celestial Dragons — aka the ruling class of the World Government.
The Journey to the Truth
The Straw Hat Pirates aren’t just chasing treasure.
They’re on a collision course with the truth. As they approach Laugh Tale and piece together the final Poneglyphs, we’re heading toward a reveal that could shatter the world order.
Think about it:
-
Why did Roger laugh when he saw the One Piece?
-
Why is Joy Boy’s story so closely guarded?
-
Why is the Void Century the one thing that’s completely off-limits?
It all ties together.
Final Thought: The Truth Will Set the World on Fire
The Void Century isn’t just history — it’s the blueprint for revolution.
The World Government buried it because it threatens everything they built.
But the truth is clawing its way back.
And when Luffy and crew finally uncover it?
The One Piece won’t just be a treasure — it’ll be the key to a new era.

