What do BC, AD, CE, and BCE mean, and what are the differences?

What Do BC and AD Mean?

BC refers to 'Before Christ,' and AD, which means 'Anno Domini,' a Latin phrase meaning 'In the Year of Our Lord,' are not just labels for years but markers of significant historical events that have shaped our world.

BC (Before Christ)

This designation refers to the years before the birth of Jesus Christ. It was introduced by Dionysius Exiguus, a Scythian monk, in the 6th century. His system was meant to replace the Diocletian era, which was based on the reign of Roman Emperor Diocletian and associated with the persecution of Christians.

Examples of BC Used in Sentences:

1. The Great Pyramid of Giza was constructed around 2560 BC.
2. Egyptians had developed a method for making paper as early as 3000 B.C.
3. The first marathon took place in 490 B.C. in ancient Greece.

AD (Anno Domini)

This is used to label years after the birth of Jesus Christ. Dionysius Exiguus also introduced it. The starting point, year 1 AD, was supposed to mark the year Jesus was born, though modern scholars believe Jesus was likely born a few years earlier.

Examples of AD Used in Sentences:

1. The Roman Empire fell in AD 476, marking the end of ancient history.
2. King John of England signed the Magna Carta in AD 1215.
3. The Renaissance began around AD 1300 and lasted until the 17th century.

What Do BCE and CE Mean?

BCE means "Before Common Era," and CE refers to "Common Era." 

BCE (Before Common Era): This is used to denote the same period as BC but in a religiously neutral manner. 

The BCE/CE system, adopted in the 20th century, is not just a historical fact but a current practice widely used in academic and scientific communities. It provides a more inclusive and secular alternative to the BC/AD system.

Examples of how to write BCE in sentences:

1. The construction of Stonehenge was completed around 2400 BCE.
2. The Code of Hammurabi, among the earliest legal codes, is dated approximately 1754 BCE.
3. The Persian Civilization introduced the first currency, the daric, toward the end of the 6th century BCE.

CE (Common Era): This is used to denote the same period as AD but in a religiously neutral manner.

Examples of CE Used in Sentences:

1. The first edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica was published in 1768 CE.
2. The Industrial Revolution began in the late 18th century CE.
3. The United Nations was established in 1945 CE.

What is the meaning of BC vs AD?

BC and AD are used to divide historical time into two significant periods based on the estimated birth year of Jesus Christ. BC refers to the time before Christ's birth, and AD refers to the time after His birth.

Why Was the BCE/CE System Created?

The BCE/CE system was created to offer a more secular and inclusive way of labeling years, which does not rely on Christian terminology. This system is particularly useful in multi-cultural and interfaith contexts where a non-religious standard is preferred. BCE and CE allow for historical events to be discussed without implying a specific religious belief, making it more accessible to people of various religious backgrounds and those who prefer a non-religious chronological framework. In historical and cultural studies, using BCE/CE allows for a more neutral and objective analysis of events, free from religious bias.

In summary, the evolution of dating systems from BC and AD to BCE and CE marks a shift towards a more inclusive and secular approach to marking time. The BCE/CE system provides a neutral and objective framework for discussing historical events, enabling greater accessibility and fostering confidence in its use in academic and cultural contexts. Understanding these dating systems enriches our appreciation of history and fosters intercultural understanding.