The terminology used for subdividing the prehistoric cultures through time dates back to the 19th century. It was based on the notion of “technical progress” which was highly regarded during this industrial age. This chronology subdivides the Stone Age into Palaeo- (Ancient or flaked stone), Meso- (Middle), and Neo- (New or polished stone) lithic phases. The Metal Ages which follow are equally subdivided into three phases: the Copper (Chalcolithic), Bronze and Iron Ages.
If this exclusively “technological” classification remains accurate in broad outline, a broader/wider one is today largely preferred which takes into account the evolution of life and subsistence ways.

The prehistory of Corsica begins 10 000 years ago, when Mesolithic fishermen began to visit the coasts.
First visits of the island by small groups of nomadic fishermen (IXe-VIIe mill. BC).
Real/actual colinization of the island by sedenta ry agropastoral communities (VIe-IVe mill. BC).
 
Production of small objects in arsenical copper: awls, ornaments, blades, etc. (IIIe mill. BC).
Warlike societies building Torre and Castelli. Abrupt replacement of stone industries by metal (bronze) (IIe mill. BC).
Corsica enters Antiquity with the settlement of Phoceans in Aleria in 565 BC.