The Ancients were one of the original six races created by the gods to populate Ehrdi. They were the first race to form a large, sophisticated civilization and were also the first to conquer territories beyond their racial homeland. Eventually they held control of the entire planet, and ruled over all for many eons. Eventually, their civilization fell into decline and they lost their conquered lands until all that remained was their original home. They were eventually pushed back even further, resulting in their extinction in 0 AFE.
While they were alive, the Ancients made many breakthroughs in the fields of magic and science (though mostly magic), many discoveries and creations of which there is no current modern equal. Some of their technology and knowledge has been revived in recent years, but much of their civilization still remains a mystery to most Ehrdians -- to the point where many of the lesser educated don't even know they once existed.