In the timeline, what's the main difference between "era," "age," and "epoch?"
Native speaker’s answer
Rebecca
An "epoch" is similar to an "era." They're both measurements of time marked by a distinct characteristic, although an "epoch" is considered longer than an "era." An "epoch" is also a set point in time, like a world-changing event or the zero date of a calendar. An "age" is a period of time that's more general than an "era." It's possible that these could be used interchangeably in conversation, as these differences sometimes feel too small. Ex: I wonder what it was like to live in the Tudor age. Ex: The Christian epoch was January 1st 754 from the foundation of Rome's city. But the Christian era is happening now throughout the world.