[Solved] Who coined the Three-Age System? | C.J. Thomson

The three-age system divided into stone, bronze and iron from the collection of Copenhagen Museum was coined by-

[U.P.P.C.S. Prelims 2010]

Detailed Solution & Historical Context

Concept

The classification of human prehistory based on the primary materials used for tools (Stone, Bronze, Iron) revolutionized archaeological chronology.

Authentic Source Evidence

Christian Jürgensen Thomson, a Danish curator at the Copenhagen Museum, first organized the collection chronologically in the 1820s and published the 'Guide to Northern Antiquities' in 1836.

Analytical Breakdown

Thomson (A): Created the tripartite division (Stone, Bronze, Iron).

Lubbock (B): Later subdivided the Stone Age into Paleolithic and Neolithic.

Childe (D): Known for defining the 'Neolithic Revolution'.

Conceptual Deep Dive & Logic

"What was the basis for Thomson's classification?"

He observed that tools made of stone were simpler and found in deeper layers, followed by bronze, then iron, reflecting technological progression.

Examiner's Mindset & Pro-Tip

"The Three-Age system provided the first scientific framework for dating the past without relying solely on written records or religious texts."

Topic Clusters (click to see related topic questions)

Bronze Age 4

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