three-age system
archaeology
Quick Summary
The three-age system is a chronological framework used in archaeology to divide human prehistory into distinct periods based on the primary material used for tools and weapons. Developed by Christian JĆ¼rgensen Thomsen, it categorizes history into the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age.1
- Stone Age: Characterized by the use of stone tools, this period began around 3.3 million years ago and is further divided into the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic periods.2
- Bronze Age: This phase, following the Stone Age, saw the first widespread use of metal, specifically bronze (an alloy of copper and tin), for tools and weapons. It began at different times in various regions, with some areas starting before 3000 BCE.3
- Iron Age: The final stage of this system, the Iron Age, is defined by the dominance of iron in tool and weapon production. It generally followed the Bronze Age, beginning around 1200 BCE in the Middle East and southeastern Europe, and later in other regions.4
This system provided an early order to prehistory and has been adapted for chronological schemes globally.1
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