Archaeological Ages

Archaeologists classify ancient civilizations according to a series of technological "Ages." By naming an Age by the common technology and objects of an ancient civilization, archaeologists describe how advanced that civilization was.

AGE

TECHNOLOGY

APPROXIMATE TIME PERIOD

Stone Age

Making and using stone tools

2,000,000 to 6000 B.C.

Pottery Age
(Late Stone Age)

Making and using clay pottery

6000 to 5000 B.C.

Copper Age

Making and using cast copper utensils

5000 to 3000 B.C.

Bronze Age

Making and using bronze (cast copper and tin) tools

3000 to 1200 B.C.

Iron Age

Making and using iron tools

1200 to 300 B.C.