Three Age Theory for Rosie Lee Beniretto

What the theory was

The theory was created as a result of an owner of a collection of artifacts (any object made by human beings, especially with a view to subsequent use.) This owner decided to sort his artifacts by what material they were made of. Using a concept not unlike the law of Superposition, he reasoned that stone objects were the oldest, then bronze, then Iron. His theory is still used today.

The Stone Age

The Stone Age was a pre-historic time when all objects of use were made of stone. This period ended with the invention of metalworking.

Bronze Age

The Bronze age is an age characterized by the use of bronze alloy and copper. These weapons were superior to stone but not to Iron.

Iron Age

The Iron Age began at the widespread use of iron or steel. They were used in more advanced weapons than ever before.

What This Means

Whenever a transition occurred from one age to another, less advanced provinces struggled to keep up with accomplished civilizations. Larger, wealthier countries could easily conquer smaller countries, and likewise smaller countries ahead of the curve could put up a better skirmish against some large countries.

Notes used From: Richards, Julian. "Notepads to Laptops: Archeology Grows Up." British Broadcasting Corporation. British Broadcasting Corp., 24 Jan. 2005. Web. 3 Sept. 2011. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/trail/archaeology/overview/ notepads_laptops_03.shtml>.

Many notes are from Lectures by Rosie Lee Beniretto.