Bartonian

The Bartonian is a specific time in Earth's history. It is part of the middle Eocene Epoch, which is how scientists organize very old times. The Bartonian Age lasted from about 41.03 million years ago to 37.71 million years ago.

This time period comes after the Lutetian and before the Priabonian. Scientists use these names to help them understand and talk about different parts of Earth's long past. The Bartonian helps us learn about important changes in plants, animals, and the world during this ancient time.

Stratigraphic definition

The Bartonian Stage was named in 1857 by a Swiss scientist called Karl Mayer-Eymar. The name comes from rocks found in the Hampshire Basin in southern England, close to a village named Barton-on-Sea.

This stage is identified by special tiny fossils in the rocks. It matches with several other animal age names used around the world.