... > Classical Mythology and Ancient History > myths about creation: cosmogony, theogony, and the origin of man > origin of man > the four world epochs (golden, silver, bronze, iron age); 'Età dell'oro, argento, bronzo, et ferro' (Ripa) > the iron age, 'Aetas ferrea'; characterized by Mars, war and rapine > personification of the iron age; 'Età del ferro' (Ripa)