Rupelian

Formerly part ofTertiaryPeriod/SystemEtymologyName formalityFormalUsage informationCelestial bodyEarthRegional usageGlobal (ICS)Time scale(s) usedICS Time ScaleDefinitionChronological unitAgeStratigraphic unitStageTime span formalityFormalLower boundary definition of Planktonic ForaminiferansHantkenina and Lower boundary GSSPMassignano quarry section, , Ancona, Italy
43°31′58″N13°36′04″E / 43.5328°N 13.6011°E / 43.5328; 13.6011Lower GSSP ratified1992Upper boundary definitionLAD of the Planktonic Foraminifer (Base of Foram Zone P21b)Upper boundary GSSP, Central Apennines, Italy
43°38′48″N13°28′04″E / 43.6466°N 13.4677°E / 43.6466; 13.4677Upper GSSP ratifiedSeptember 2016

The Rupelian, in the geologic timescale, the older of two ages or the lower of two stages of the OligoceneEpoch/Series. It spans the time between 33.9 and27.3 Ma. It is preceded by the Priabonian Stage (part of the Eocene) and is followed by the Chattian Stage. The Rupelian is also known, informally, as the early Oligocene and lower Oligocene.