Periodization is the process or study of categorizing the past into quantified named blocks of time. This process is usually meant to make easier the study and analysis of history, understanding contemporary and historical processes, and causality that might have connected those happenings.
The process was not created to theorize about controversial topics, nor to collect evidences. It also was not made to highlight characteristics of leader.
As described above, it is about categorizing and studying links between historical events.
The correct answer is:
D. To organize historical events based on shared characteristics over long periods of time
