The categorisation of the past into discrete, quantified named blocks of time is called periodization. This is a list of such named time periods as defined in various fields of study. These can be divided broadly into prehistorical periods and historical periods (when written records began to be kept). In archaeology and anthropology, prehistory is subdivided into the three-age system, this list includes the use of the three-age system as well as a number of various designation used in reference to sub-ages within the traditional three. The dates for each age can vary by region. On the geologic time scale, the Holocene epoch starts at the end of the last glacial period of the current ice age (c. 10,000 BC) and continues to the present. The beginning of the Mesolithic is usually considered to correspond to the beginning of the Holocene epoch.

Prehistoric periods

Era

General periods

Forms of modernity

Technological periods

American (continent) periods

Pre-Columbian America Colonial America

Australian periods

Southeast Asian periods

Maritime Southeast Asia Peninsular Southeast Asia

Chinese periods

Bronze Age China Archaic China Antiquity Medieval China Mongol China Late Dynastic Period Modern China Contemporary China Post-Contemporary China

Mongolian periods

Antiquity Medieval Mongolia Imperial Mongolia Modern Mongolia

Egyptian periods

Prehistoric Egypt (pre-3150 BC) Dynastic Period Antiquity Islamic Egypt Medieval Egypt Modern Egypt Contemporary Egypt

European periods

Iranian periods

Prehistoric Iran Ancient age: Medieval age: Modern age:

Indian periods

Japanese periods

Archaic Japan Feudal Japan Samurai Japan Modern Japan Contemporary Japan

Mesopotamian periods

Archaic Period Imperial Period Islamic Period

Libyan periods

Prehistoric Libya Early Libya Modern Libya

Mexican periods

Ancient and Pre-Columbian Mexico Colonial Mexico Independence Era Liberal Mexico Modern Mexico

United States historical periods

Pre-Colonial era Thirteen British Colonies (1607–1775) United Colonies (1775-1781) Confederation period (1781-1789) First Party System (1789–1824) Second Party System (1824–1856) Third Party System (1856–1896) Fourth Party System (1896–1932) Fifth Party System (1932–1980) Sixth Party System (1980–present)

Citations

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