A period of 10,000 years is called a decem millennium or a myria-annum, although these terms are not commonly used.
Understanding Time Scales
While we frequently use terms like "decade" (10 years), "century" (100 years), and "millennium" (1,000 years), terms for larger time spans, like 10,000 years, are less familiar. Here's a breakdown:
| Time Period | Name | Common Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Years | Decade | Yes |
| 100 Years | Century | Yes |
| 1,000 Years | Millennium | Yes |
| 10,000 Years | Decem millennium/Myria-annum | No |
Why Are These Terms Less Common?
The rarity of using "decem millennium" or "myria-annum" likely stems from:
- Scale: 10,000 years is a vast timescale, often relevant in geological or astronomical contexts rather than everyday human experience.
- Alternative Descriptions: We often describe events spanning 10,000 years more descriptively, like "the last glacial period" or "the early Holocene epoch," rather than using a specific name.
In summary, while "decem millennium" and "myria-annum" are technically correct terms for 10,000 years, they are seldom used in practice.
