So if Alexander the Great was born in 356 BC, he was born 356 years before the birth of Jesus. The era before Jesus’ birth is known (oh-so creatively) as BC, or “Before Christ.” The era that follows (our current era) is referred to as AD, which comes from the Latin term Anno Domini, meaning “in the year of the Lord.” 1 By the end of the eighth century the proposal was widely accepted.
In the sixth century AD, Christian scholars proposed numbering the years by using the birth of Jesus of Nazareth as a starting point. Though some cultures use a different calendar, the most widely accepted scheme today is the Gregorian calendar.
The Birth of Jesus and the Gregorian Calendar The years, decades, and centuries of human history are all marked by one event: the birth of Jesus Christ. Whether it’s 2012, 2013, or 2020, we’re subtly reminded that the very number of the year is established by something that took place over two millennia ago. In fact, every time you write a check, file your taxes, book a reservation, or simply make an appointment, it’s there too.
Even if you’re not religious, it’s hard to escape the nativity scenes and carols reminding us of that “silent night” long ago.īut the occasion that takes every December by storm isn’t lost on the rest of the year.
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