Why do we switch between BC/AD and BCE/CE?
In short: While they point to the same years on a calendar, the shift from BC/AD to BCE/CE represents a move toward secular terminology. This video explains the linguistic origins of these systems and why they are often used interchangeably today.
The terms BC (Before Christ) and BCE (Before Common Era) both refer to the period preceding the year 1 CE. Similarly, AD (Anno Domini) and CE (Common Era) both denote the era beginning with the year 1.
The AD system was originally established with the belief that the year 1 would mark the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. The phrase Anno Domini translates to "in the year of our lord." In contrast, BCE and CE provide a more secular framework for the same chronological timeline.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: What's the Difference Between BCE/CE and BC/AD and Who Came Up with These Systems?
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