The Ages of Conflict were time periods in Covenant history where the Covenant suffered from large internal or external conflicts. There was 39 Ages of Conflict, two of which are known of to date.
History
The First Age of Conflict
The First Age of Conflict begun in 938 BCE after the Age of Abandonment, and ended in 852 BCE. In this Age, the Sangheili and the San'Shyuum started the San'Shyuum-Sangheili War, due to different religious beliefs in the treatment of Forerunner objects. The Age ended with the ratification of the Writ of Union, a peace treaty between the two races that established the Covenant.[1][2]
The Thirty-Ninth Age of Conflict
The 39th Age of Conflict was ushered in by the Unggoy Rebellion, which arose from a long list of grievances finally set aflame with the Infusion Incident. This Age of Conflict led on to the 23rd Age of Doubt.[3]
Progression of the Ages
During the Progression of the Ages, an appropriate dialogue is as followed:[4]
Leader, or Chieftain: Conflict.
Congregation, or Pack: The Second Age! Rivalry and bloodshed!
In the ritual, the Ages of Conflict are represented by iron.[4]