The current period is now 1300-1400 AS.

This corresponds to around 1575-1700 CE in our world, a period which saw the peak of European Divine Right kingdoms, the opulence of the "Gunpowder Empires", the collapse of the Chinese Ming dynasty and rise of the Manchu Qing dynasty, the end of the feudal warlord era in Japan, an explosion in European exploration of "terra incognita" and colonialism of the Americas, and the temporary Spanish dominance of the world economy, among many other worldwide developments.

With this time shift, civs may now research the Chemistry, Economics, and Flintlock Firearms major techs.

The Anteperiod for permissible post dates before the current time frame is now 1275-1299 AS, while the Postperiod for permissible post dates after the current time frame is now 1401-1425 AS, both inclusive.

The next time shift, to 1400-1500 AS and representing advancement to the Mid-Modern Era, will occur at 11:59 PM EDT on Sunday, November 25th, unless players vote to delay it.