Ever wondered why some history books use BC/AD while others use BCE/CE? The answer lies in both history and cultural sensitivity. The Gregorian calendar, now a global standard, originally counted years based on the birth of Jesus Christ. Years after this event are marked AD (“Anno Domini” – in the year of the Lord) and years before it are marked BC (“Before Christ”).

But not everyone wants a Christian-centered dating system. Enter BCE (“Before Common Era”) and CE (“Common Era”), a neutral alternative that keeps the calendar intact without religious implications. These abbreviations have been increasingly used in science, academia, and multicultural contexts, although BC/AD remains dominant in journalism and mainstream media.

Why the debate? Some argue BCE/CE avoids inaccuracies, as Jesus’ birth likely occurred before AD 1, while others feel BC/AD is a clear, well-established system. Interestingly, both systems cannot be mixed-consistency is key.

Tip for writers:

• BC after the year → 1100 BC

• AD before the year → AD 1066

• BCE/CE after the year → 1100 BCE, 1066 CE

In the end, whether you choose BC/AD or BCE/CE, understanding their history helps make your writing accurate, inclusive, and culturally aware.