Before the Empire, the Galactic Republic was the dominant government in the galaxy, comprising of countless star systems. Throughout its history, the Republic was threatened by many enemies, such as the Mandalorians and Sith, and protecting it were the Jedi Knights, warriors skilled in the ways of the Force. In its final years, the Republic was threatened by the Separatists, and a battle on Geonosis between the Clone Army and the Separatist's battle droids led to the Clone Wars. Unknown to the Jedi, the war was in fact part of Darth Sidious' plan to gain control of the galaxy. There have been many heroes of the Galactic Republic, such as Ulic Qel-Droma, Bastila Shan, Carth Onasi, Yoda, Mace Windu, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Padme Amidala, and Anakin Skywalker.