The phrase "ensuing centuries" refers to the time period that comes after a certain event or point in history and lasts for hundreds of years. It means the centuries following a specific time or event. Full definition
The land grants to railroad barons after America's Civil War, for example created the largest American fortunes for the ensuing century. (michael-hudson.com)
In Jewish tradition, we frequently speak in terms of «Written Torah» (the text of the Hebrew Scriptures as they have come down to us) and «Oral Torah» (the ensuing centuries of conversations and interpretations of our sages and rabbis, which are also considered to be holy.) (rachelheldevans.com)
Edwards» «angry God» became progressively more user - friendly through the ensuing centuries, culminating with Billy Graham, who could play amicable golf with people whom earlier revivalists would have threatened with fire and brimstone. (firstthings.com)