There are several dozens of concepts, showing attempts to divide the historical process or individual epochs of human development into periods. However, the analysis reveals the imperfection of such systems, as well as the lack of a clear and reasonable conceptual apparatus. In addition, over the past decade a great number of discoveries, including archaeological, have been made which brought about significant adjustments to the previously established ideas. A considerable amount of information that requires high-quality design expertise has been collected. The article views the problems of compliance and correct application of a number of historical and cultural terms used in various humanitarian science fields. The foregoing reflections and comparisons are mainly practical. They are aimed at clarifying of the meaning, place, level, the roles and values of other existing symbols, as well as at the demonstration of their adequate usage. For maximum coverage of the evolution of mankind, a reliable system of structuring history is offered: era — epoch — period — time — culture — stage — phase — event — moment.