I am trying to create a topology for a dataset that has two polygon feature classes and one point feature class. After I enter the rules and click Finish, I receive "Error 000205: Failed to create topology". When I search this error, I see that the cause may be that the topology already exists, but in this case there is no existing topology.
The error: ERROR 000205: Failed to create topology.
Are you using arcmap? Since the help is either "old" or in error
000205: Failed to create topology.—ArcGIS Pro | Documentation
Did you try the suggestions even if you think they don't apply?
It turns out I was logged in with my work Esri account (in ArcGIS Pro) instead of my school Esri account, while working on a school project. The work account apparently doesn't have the right license for topology.
I think it would be very helpful to update the Error 000205 help page to include this possible cause (account doesn't have license for topology).