The phrase "intervening centuries" refers to the time period that occurs between two specified points in history. It implies the passage of time and highlights the gap between those two specific moments. Full definition
But for many of us there have been developments in knowledge and understanding during the intervening centuries that make a simple retrieval of an eighteenth century figure like Wesley impossible. (religion-online.org)
It is easier to be cushioned from that responsibility by the intervening centuries, reverting to the «We» and «They» dichotomy which in all areas of life comforts «We» when «They» are in trouble. (religion-online.org)
In the intervening centuries, pellagra was particularly widespread — and well documented — in northern Italy, with cases reported as far afield as South Africa and Egypt. (discovermagazine.com)