Ages
.(1) From the beginning of mankind to the Deluge, a time wholly unknown.
(2) From the Deluge to the First Olympiad, called the mythical period.
(3) From the first Olympiad to the present time, called the historic period.
According to Lucreʹtius also, there are three ages, distinguished by the materials employed in implements (v. 1282), viz.:
(1) The age of stone, when celts or implements of stone were employed.
(2) The age of bronze, when implements were made of copper or brass.
(3) The age of iron, when implements were made of iron, as at present.
The Golden or patriarchal, under the care of Saturn.
The Silver or voluptuous, under the care of Jupiter.
The Brazen or warlike, under the care of Neptune.
The Heroic or renaissant, under the care of Mars.