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Periodization is the attempt to categorize or divide time into discrete named blocks. The result is a descriptive abstraction that provides a useful handle on periods of time with relatively stable characteristics. Most sciences that study the history of their respective objects of study have their own periodization. It must be emphasized that all of these periods have been defined retrospectively and are only valuable to the degree that they aid critical thinking and quick description. Historical periods are limited by generally agreed-upon temporal and geographical boundaries. Periodization from the sciences includes the geologic Cretaceous or Jurassic periods, while examples from human history include the Modern and Medieval periods. This article uses periods from European human history to elaborate the problem of periodization.