How did Vico describe the age of gods, the heroic age, and the human age?

In his philosophy of history, Giambattista Vico described the development of human societies as a cyclical progression through three distinct ages:1

• The Age of the Gods: Emerging from a primitive, bestial state, humanity in this era is governed primarily by a pervasive fear of the supernatural.1
• The Age of Heroes: This stage arises from alliances formed by family leaders seeking protection against internal dissent and external threats. It is characterized by a rigid social structure divided between patricians and plebeians.1
• The Age of Men: Resulting from class conflict, this period sees plebeians achieve equal rights. However, Vico noted that this stage is inherently precarious, as it faces risks of corruption and dissolution that can lead to a reversion into a second, more dangerous form of barbarism.1

Vico believed that Providence acts to guide history, preventing humanity from being destroyed by these recurring cycles of growth and decay.1