Timeline
Timeline and milestones
August 1997
Lord British has an unfortunate accident. While giving a speech to a bright-eyed Britannian crowd, the King was engulfed in flames and spent some time in the realm of the dead. However, with the aid of his companions, he was revived shortly thereafter and finished his speech, much to the delight of those in attendance.
September 1997
Last day of the original beta test. The beta ended with a bang, as players were treated to an "end of the world" scenario with Shadowlords, demons, and other evil creatures slaughtering every character in sight.
September 1997
Ultima Online opens its doors to the public.
October 1998
The Second Age. Ultima Online's first expansion introduced an entirely new landmass, vicious new monsters, new dungeons, and a lush tropical jungle filled with surprises.
December 1998
Ultima Online achieves 100,000 users worldwide.
January 1999
Ultima Online expands into Asia.
May 1999
Origin Systems announces European launch of Ultima Online.
January 2000
Ultima Online expands into Australia with the Oceania server, UO's 21st shard.
February 2000
The invasion of Trinsic. A massive army of undead laid siege to the once peaceful city of Trinsic. Due to the overwhelming odds, the dark army managed to conquer the city under the leadership of Juo'nar and the Dark Mistress Minax. All hope seemed to be lost, but noble Britannians from all over rallied together and reclaimed the city from the clutches of evil!
February 2000
Ultima Online achieves 150,000 subscribers.
February 2000
Lord British disappears. Rumors fly on the wind about the disappearance of the King. Some claim he was abducted by mongbats, while others insist that it was the work of more malevolent forces.
May 2000
Renaissance. Ultima Online's second expansion marked the beginning of a new era in Britannia. With the splitting of the lands into the facets of Trammel and Felucca, players could choose their geography based on their play style.
November 2000
UO World Faire. Players from all over met and mingled in Austin, TX at Ultima Online's first official fanfest.
March 2001
Third Dawn. Ultima Online's third expansion introduced the new land of Ilshenar, new beasts and monsters, and an entirely new way to view the game.
January 2002
Online Worlds FanFest. Ultima Online's second official fanfest was held in Austin, TX. Players were able to meet the Developers behind the game, as well as special guest speaker Todd McFarlane.
February 2002
Lord Blackthorn's Revenge. Ultima Online's fourth expansion brought players into a world under siege, replete with more than 30 new and exotic characters created by none other than Spawn creator Todd McFarlane.
May 2002
A hero emerges. Dawn, Royal Knight of Britannia, leads the fight against Blackthorn and Exodus.
February 2003
Age of Shadows. Ultima Online's fifth expansion was the most aggressive yet, offering players the ability to custom design their homes, the Paladin and Necromancer professions, a new land called Malas, and 13 new combat moves.
March 2003
Ultima Online reaches 250,000 subscribers.
June 2003
Lord Blackthorn is defeated! During a speech given by the virtuous Dawn, Blackthorn orders his minions to attack the assembled masses. The battle was fierce, but in the end, the noble citizens of Britannia prevailed, and Lord Blackthorn was slain.
September 2003
Lord British returns! The Lost King returns to his people and speaks of the future of Britannia.
September 2003
6th anniversary Ultima Online.
Timeline and Milestone sources taken from : http://www.uo.com/sept2003nl.html#grand