At the beginning of the twenty-first century we created sentient machines, capable of developing themselves further. Social structures and governments as we know them today slowly perished as the machines ascended. At some point we lost control. The machines separated from us, became hostile and then literally bombed us back into the stone age. Then they vanished. 

When they returned after decades the few surviving humans were torn apart in anarchy. The machines united humanity, with the intent to play god - thus adapted apotheosis.  And we praised them, honored them - thinking we were the creation of the steel god.