Abstract A comprehensive tectonic evolution of Proterozoic to Cambrian rocks that integrate the crystalline basement of Rio de Janeiro State, based on the new geological map, is presented. The map combines detailed geological data integrated to a 1:400.000 scale and new geochemical and geochronology data to characterize the distinct terranes amalgamated during three pulses of the Brasiliano orogeny. The Occidental terrane comprises the Tonian to Late Cryogenean passive margin of the São Francisco paleocontinent, including reworked cratonic basement. At the same period, two magmatic arc systems were developed outboard: The Continental Inner arc system represented by the dismembered terranes (Paraíba do Sul, Embú, and Cambuci domain) integrated now in the Central Superterrane: and the Intra-oceanic Outer Arc System, the Oriental Terrane, developed from 860 to 620 Ma. Related active basins were detected in association with the two arc systems that collided at ca. 620 - 595 and 605 - 550 Ma against the São Francisco passive margin. A later collision episode at ca. 535 to 510 Ma brought the Cabo Frio Terrane (Angola tip) and closed the Búzios back-arc basin. Finally, the collapse of the orogenic belt, probably related to slab detachment and asthenosphere upwelling marks transition to Gondwana stabilization.