The first level of time, geographical time, is that of the environment, with its slow, almost imperceptible change, its repetition and cycles. Such change may be slow, but it is irresistible. The second level of time comprises long-term social, economic, and cultural history, where Braudel discusses the Mediterranean economy, social groupings, empires and civilizations. Change at this level is much more rapid than that of the environment; Braudel looks at two or three centuries in order to spot a particular pattern, such as the rise and fall of various aristocracies. The third level of time is that of events ("histoire événementielle"). This is the history of individuals with names. This, for Braudel, is the time of surfaces and deceptive effects. It is the time of the ""courte durée"" proper and it is the focus of Part 3 of "The Mediterranean" which treats of "events, politics and people."