From Vintage to Prehistoric: How We Classify Objects By Age

1. Vintage (20-100 years): Vintage typically refers to items that are 20 to 100 years old, often associated with specific eras or decades in style or function.

2. Antique (100+ years): Generally, an object must be at least 100 years old to be considered an antique, and this term is often used for items made in the last few centuries.

3. Artifact (Several centuries to millennia): Once an object surpasses a few hundred years and moves into several centuries or millennia old, it is often referred to as an **artifact**. Artifacts are typically man-made objects, often found in archaeological contexts, that hold historical or cultural significance. The term is commonly applied to items from ancient civilizations or prehistoric times.

4. Ancient (1,000+ years): This term is used for objects or periods that are 1,000 years old or more. For example, something from the **Ancient Roman**, **Egyptian**, or **Greek** periods could be considered "ancient."

5. Prehistoric (10,000+ years): When dealing with objects or fossils from 10,000 years ago and beyond, the term **prehistoric** is often used. This era covers anything from early human tools to remains from before recorded history.

There isn't a strict, universally agreed-upon scale for these terms, but they are commonly applied based on time periods. The use of these terms can also vary based on the specific field of study (archaeology, anthropology, history, etc.).

ChatGPT. “ChatGPT Assistance on Object Classification by Age.” OpenAI. September 6, 2024. https://chat.openai.com/.