Final answer:
The main historical periods for studying human history are prehistoric (subdivided into Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic), ancient, medieval, and modern. Each period includes significant developments and is crucial for understanding the patterns of human civilization over time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The time periods that history is divided into for the study of patterns in human history are generally accepted as prehistoric, ancient, medieval, and modern times—though this can vary depending on the context and specificity of the subject matter.
The prehistoric period is often divided into the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic sub-periods. This era precedes written records and includes significant developments such as the use of stone tools, the advent of agriculture, and the construction of megalithic structures like Stonehenge.
Following prehistory, human history is segmented into ancient history, which may include Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, and other early civilizations. These are followed by the medieval period, often referred to as the Middle Ages, and the subsequent modern era, which includes the Renaissance, the Industrial Age, and continues up to the present day, sometimes referred to as the contemporary period.