Introduction
Whenever we read or explore history we must have been come across the terms BC/AD and BCE/ CE. we all have seen these terms but we are not aware about what do they mean and How do they use in history. In this article we will talk about these terms. BC/AD ad BCE/CE used to measure the timeline or events that have been done in history. when it comes to measure the dates, the Gregorian Calendar is followed. This formula to measure the date was first used in western countries but later it was accepted all over the world. This system was created with respect to the birth date of Jesus Christ, which is contemplate as the central point.
Historical Origin
In 6th century the term AD( Anno Domini) and BC (Before Christ) was put forward by the Christian Monk named Dionysius Exiguus. When he introduce the method of calculating the timeline which was based on the Birth of Jesus Christ . Earlier different regions and cultures had used various system of dating Dionysius , a scholar and a churchman was given a task to calculate the date of Easter. For that he needed a consistent method to do so. he came up with an idea of Christ birth as an reference point . that’s how he came up with the AD system in the year 525. He decided that the birth of the Christ would be the starting point. he recognized that 1 AD was the birth date of the Jesus. BC (Before Christ) was introduced as the events took place before the birth of the Jesus Christ.
In 1582 Pope Gregory XIII introduced the Gregorian calendar which was used all over the world. In this calendar AD&BC was used to denote year.
AD means “In the year of our god” in Latin
- AD (Anno Domini) – It refers to the year after the birth of Jesus.
- BC (Before Christ) – It refers to the year before the birth of Jesus.
BCE &CE
CE defines as “Common era”. while on the other hand BCE defines as ” Before common era”.
These terms also used as a year notation in Gregorian calendar , are alternatives to the earlier used terms AD&BC.
- CE(common era) : which is equivalent to AD, denote the time from year 1 onwards.
- BCE (Before common era) : which is equivalent to BC, denote the time before year 1.
the BCE&CE notations were in known from 1700s by the Jewish Academics for more than 100 years. They were in frequent use by them but became more prevalent in mid 19th century and late 20th century. Over the time It replaced the AD/BC in many fields because this timeline system was neutral and inclusive of all faith and culture. It became more widespread among the scholars, academic, and scientific in late 20th century.
Reason for adoption of CE&BCE :
The main reason behind adoption of BC&BCE was religious neutrality. AD/BC was based on Christian religion. As the term AD “Anno Domini” which stands for “In the year of our Lord”. It directly referencing to the Jesus Christ. Similarly BC “Before Christ” refers to the time before the birth of Jesus Christ. As these terms only revolve around the Christian religious. By this contrast BC/BCE system is more neutral. It keeps down the reference of Christian religion. BC/BCE can be used by various religious, traditions, culture. This approach avoids privileged to one faith over others.
Tips to remember these terms:
AD/BC and BCE/CE are use alternatively and Both are acceptable in international Gregorian Calendar. we don’t need to think about what to use. we can use any set whether AD/BC or BCE/CE . but we should know the meaning of both.
- As AD means after the birth of Jesus and It has “A” in starting so we can relate to it with after.
- Similarly, BC means the before the birth of Jesus and It has “B” in starting so we can relate to it with before.
when we talk about tips to remember BCE/CE . In this we have to understand about one trick :
- BCE stands for “Before common era” which means before the birth of Jesus Christ. It has “B” in starting which can be relate to before.
- As CE remains so it would be definitely After. because before has already been done.
- Another tips to remember alternatives :
- CE is alternative to AD (CE = AD)
- BCE is alternative to BC (BCE = BC)
In below set BCE =BC both has ” B ” in it which reflects Before.