First Hebitian civilization

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The Hebitian Society

The Hebitians were the ancient civilization native to Cardassia Prime centuries prior to the formation of the Cardassian Union. This civilization was renown for its incredible art and culture, and they were a deeply spiritual people. Their burial vaults were said by many to be magnificent, containing numerous artifacts of jevonite - a rare stone of unimaginable beauty. Despite their peaceful lifestyle, the Hebitians became plagued by famine due to the lack of natural resources on Cardassia Prime. Their peaceful lifestyle broke down into anarchy, and the population began to experience an incredible death toll. (TNG: "Chain of Command, Part II")

Alternative Solution

After millions had perished due to the famine and plague viruses which wrecked havoc across their planet, the remaining survivors were desperate to find a way to overcome these problems and survive. Thus, they turned to the military to solve their problems. Realizing they required considerable natural resources to sustain what remained of the population, the military began a policy of expansion into the galaxy. As they spread out into space, the Cardassian military populated or conquered neighboring planets and stripped them of their resources to provide for those back on the homeworld. It was also during this time that the infamous Hebitian burial vaults were plundered and sold off to other species in order to provide for the military's supplies. Some remained in Cardassian museums for many years, but eventually they too were sold off. (TNG: "Ensign Ro", "Chain of Command, Part II", DS9: "Emissary", "Duet", Cardassians")

Formation of the Cardassian Union

With the population relying completely on the military, the Cardassian Union was eventually forged. The Union consisted of three main parties - the Detapa Council, which was the civilian representation, the Central Command which was the military branch, and the Obsidian Order which was the intelligence agency. Although in theory, the civilian government would hold control over both the Central Command and the Obsidian Order, in practice both branches operated with full autonomy, with the Central Command having the predominant roll of governance. With the formation of the Cardassian Union, the Hebitian society was nothing more than a shadow in the history of Cardassia. (DS9: "Defiant", "Cardassians")

Apocrypha

In the non-canon DS9 relaunch novel A Stitch in Time by Andrew Robinson, the Hebitian society is describe in more detail, and there are pockets of Cardassians which still practice their rituals.