Rupelian

The Rupelian is an old time in Earth's story. It is part of something called the Oligocene. This time helps scientists learn about how Earth changed a very long time ago.

The Rupelian started about 33.9 million years ago and ended about 27.3 million years ago. It came after a time called the Priabonian and before another time called the Chattian.

The name Rupelian comes from a little river named Rupel in Belgium. This river flows into a bigger river called the Scheldt. Smart people from Belgium gave this name to the time about 200 years ago.

Scientists use the Rupelian to study how the climate, plants, and animals changed millions of years ago. They picked special places in Italy to mark when this time began and ended.