In the geologic time scale, the Zanclean Stage (also known as Tabianian, Dacian) is the lowest stage of the Pliocene epoch (geology). It spans the time between 5.332 ± 0.005 Ma and 3.6 ± 0.005 Ma (million years ago). It is preceded by the Messinian stage of the Miocene epoch, and followed by the Piacenzian stage of the Late Pliocene. Generally in North America, the Zanclean corresponds to late Hemphillian to mid-Blancan stages. In California, the Zanclean roughly corresponds to the mid-Delmontian.