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The Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023 served as a vivid reminder of terrorism’s continued relevance as a form of political violence that can have far-reaching, strategic implications on regional and international security. This article discusses the significance of the most deadly and consequential terrorist attacks since 9/11 for the study of terrorism more broadly. To situate the October 7 attack within the academic study of terrorism, we offer a temporal typology that breaks down the study of terrorism into several distinct eras: the “Precursor” (1950s–1960s), “Foundation” (1970s–1980s), “Contraction” (1990s), and “Expansion” (2000s and 2010s) periods. We distinguish these periods using four main variables: (a) signature events; (b) the understanding and relative significance of terrorism; (c) key debates; and (d) analytical approaches for studying terrorism. We then argue that the October 7 attacks are the signature event of a current, fifth period of terrorism studies that has already commenced—“Maturation.” We discuss the main characteristics of the Maturation Period of Terrorism Studies and examine how the October 7 attacks reflect, reinforce, and shape its contours.