What is the difference between an age and a period?

An age usually refers to a broad phase of development characterized by a defining feature, such as the Stone Age or Iron Age, based on the tools and technologies used. A period refers to a more specific segment within history, often linked to particular political or cultural developments—like the Mughal Period or Medieval Period. Ages are more general and cover long spans of time, while periods focus on distinct civilizations or dynasties. For instance, the Iron Age includes many periods across regions, but the Mauryan Period specifically refers to a historical era in India’s timeline.