Scientists divide the Cretaceous into two epochs: the Early Cretaceous (also called the Lower Cretaceous or, less formally, lower or early Cretaceous), from approximately 144 to 89 million years ago; and the Late Cretaceous (also called the Upper Cretaceous, or upper or late Cretaceous), from approximately 89 to 65 million years ago. Each of these main epochs is broken up into smaller ages. The following chart gives the European nomenclature for each age:
| Epoch |
Age |
Millions of Years Ago (approx) |
| Late |
Maastrichtian |
74–65 |
| |
Campanian |
83–74 |
| |
Santonian |
87–83 |
| |
Coniacian |
89–87 |
| Early |
Turonian |
93–89 |
| |
Cenomanian |
97–93 |
| |
Albian |
112–97 |
| |
Aptian |
125–112 |
| |
Barremian |
132–125 |
| |
Hauterivian |
135–132 |
| |
Valanginian |
141–135 |
| |
Berriasian |
144–141 |
