A stage (345.3–326.4 Ma ago) in the Mississippian epoch, the Visean is preceded by the Tournaisian, followed by the Serpukhovian, and comprises the Chadian, Arundian, Holkerian, Asbian, and Brigantian substages (these are also stage names in western European stratigraphy). The Visean is roughly contemporaneous with the upper Carboniferous Limestone series (Britain), and the upper Osagean, Meramecian, and lower Chesterian (N. America). See also dinantian.