Question

What is called the ‘Three age system’?
A. Classification of prehistoric age based on hunting practices by early humans
B. Classification of prehistoric age based on agricultural practices by early humans
C. Classification of prehistoric age based on tools used by early humans
D. Classification of prehistoric age based on eating habits of early humans

Answer 1

Hint: The classification of the prehistoric age into multiple tiers was an important feat in the field of archaeology. The ‘Three Age System’ was put in place by the Danish archaeologist, Christian Thompsen in 1836 for better characterisation of his findings related to the technological developments in the prehistoric societies.

Complete answer: The ‘Three age system’ was the first system used to categorise on a divisive basis, the development and technological advancement in prehistoric societies. This started the general process in archaeology to put the findings in context through their categorisation.
The ‘Three age system’ was based on the tool technology used by humans and how it changed over time, transforming into different types of tools with the discovery of different stones and metals over time. The similarities are found in prehistoric human societies all over the world but not all stages apply to every society.

Let’s look at the options;
Option A- The division of prehistory in Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic ages is based on the advancement of the stone tool technology that dictated the kind of hunting-gathering behaviour that the humans were involved in. Thus, the classification of prehistoric age based on hunting practices by early humans is incorrect.
Option B- The classification of agriculture practices is done based on shifting and permanent agricultural practices. Yet, these terms were more dictated by the form of the group and their traditions than the technology itself. So this is an incorrect option.
Option C- The Classification of prehistory based on Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age are the divisions that come under the ‘Three age system’. These were the elements that were used at different times to develop the tool technology and thus, decided the patterns of hunting, agriculture or other forms of development of trade. So, this is the correct option.
Option D- Humans have been omnivores throughout history. What differed was whether the food was being eaten raw or cooked. This was after the discovery of fire that the food patterns begin to emerge distinctly in the prehistoric human societies. But they are too varied to be classified in a system of three. So this is an incorrect option.
Thus, option (C) is the correct answer.

Note: The three-age system is not applicable in all parts of the world. Like in America, there was no Bronze age and in some remote parts of Australia, the Stone Age persists. Even so, the sequence of stone-bronze-iron is important to understand the technological advancement of human history.