\[ **BT: [[history#glossary]]** ] --- # three-age system The three-age system is the division of human prehistory into three time-periods: the [[Palaeolithic|Stone Age]], the [[prehistory#Bronze Age|Bronze Age]] and the [[prehistory#Iron Age|Iron Age]].[^1] In some systems, a fourth [[prehistory#Copper Age|Copper Age]] is added as between the Stone Age and Bronze Age. The Copper, Bronze and Iron Ages are also known collectively as the Metal Ages.[^2] In history, [[archaeology]] and physical [[anthropology]], the three-age system is a methodological concept adopted during the 19th century according to which artefacts and events of late prehistory and early history could be broadly ordered into a recognizable chronology. C. J. Thomsen initially developed this categorization in the period 1816 to 1825.[^3] The structure reflects the cultural and historical background of the Mediterranean basin and the Middle East. The schema has little or no utility for establishing chronological frameworks in sub-Saharan Africa, much of Asia, the Americas, and some other areas; and has little importance in contemporary archaeological or anthropological discussion for these regions.[^4] [^1]: ‘Three-Age System’, Wikipedia, last edited 14 October 2025, 15:37 (UTC), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-age_system. [^2]: Three-Age System’, Wikipedia, last edited 14 October 2025, 15:37 (UTC), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-age_system. [^3]: Three-Age System’, Wikipedia, last edited 14 October 2025, 15:37 (UTC), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-age_system. [^4]: Three-Age System’, Wikipedia, last edited 14 October 2025, 15:37 (UTC), https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three-age_system.