The 'Kofun' period was divided into three periods: from the late half of the third century to the early fourth century, it was called the Early 'Kofun' period; then from the end of the fourth century, it was called the Middle 'Kofun' period; during the early sixth century to mid-seventh century was called the Late 'Kofun' period.
3世紀後半から、4世紀初め頃が古墳時代前期、4世紀末から古墳時代中期、6世紀初めから7世紀の半ばごろまでを古墳時代後期としている。