Have you ever come across the abbreviation BCE and wondered, “What Does Bce Mean?” In discussions about history, you’ll frequently encounter dates followed by BCE or CE, and sometimes BC or AD. Understanding these terms is crucial for navigating historical timelines. BCE stands for Before Common Era, and it’s one part of a dating system used globally to denote years before the generally accepted starting point of the Common Era. But what exactly does BCE signify, and why is it used?
Decoding BCE: Before the Common Era
BCE is the acronym for Before the Common Era. To fully grasp what does BCE mean, it’s essential to understand the context of the Common Era (CE). The Common Era is the period that starts from the year 1 in the Gregorian calendar, which is the internationally accepted civil calendar. Years denoted as CE count forward from this starting point. Therefore, BCE refers to the years prior to the year 1 of the Common Era, counting backwards.
The concept of numbering years from a central point originated in 525 AD when a Christian monk, Dionysius Exiguus, proposed counting years from the presumed birth year of Jesus Christ. This system was later standardized under the Julian and Gregorian calendars and spread throughout Europe and the Christian world. In this original system, years after the birth of Christ were marked AD, for Anno Domini, Latin for “in the year of the Lord”, and years before were marked BC, for “Before Christ”.
BCE vs. BC: Are They the Same?
In practical terms, BCE and BC are numerically equivalent. A date expressed as 500 BCE refers to the same year as 500 BC. The difference lies in the abbreviation itself and the rationale behind its use. While BC explicitly refers to “Before Christ,” BCE, or Before the Common Era, is designed to be a religiously neutral alternative.
The shift towards BCE and CE began gaining traction in the early 18th century and became more widespread in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly in academic and scientific fields. This adoption was largely driven by the desire for inclusivity. As the Gregorian calendar became the global standard, even in non-Christian cultures, the explicitly Christian reference in BC and AD became less universally accepted. For many, especially in academic circles and diverse societies, using BCE/CE is a way to maintain historical dating conventions without directly referencing Christian religious beliefs.
Why Choose BCE Over BC?
The primary reason for using BCE instead of BC is religious neutrality. In a world of diverse cultures and beliefs, using “Before Christ” and “Anno Domini” can be seen as culturally specific and potentially exclusionary. BCE and CE offer a secular alternative that acknowledges the widespread use of the Gregorian calendar without explicitly centering it on Christian theology.
Furthermore, some argue for BCE/CE due to historical accuracy concerns. Modern scholarship indicates that Jesus Christ was likely born a few years before AD 1, meaning the BC/AD system is based on a potentially inaccurate birthdate. By using BCE/CE, this direct link to a potentially erroneous date is removed, focusing instead on a neutral “Common Era” starting point that is a matter of convention rather than religious dogma.
CE and AD: The Counterparts to BCE and BC
Just as BCE is the neutral counterpart to BC, CE (Common Era) is the equivalent of AD (Anno Domini). CE denotes years within the Common Era, starting from year 1. In most contexts, especially when discussing recent centuries, the CE or AD designation is often omitted as it is implicitly understood that the year is within the Common Era. However, when clarity is needed, or when discussing historical periods spanning across the BCE/CE divide, these designations become essential.
Using BCE and CE Correctly
When writing dates with BCE and CE, there are accepted conventions to follow:
- Placement: Both BCE and CE are placed after the year number. For example: 1000 BCE, 2023 CE.
- Punctuation: Periods can be used after each letter (B.C.E., C.E.), though it’s increasingly common to omit them (BCE, CE).
- Consistency: It’s important to use either the BC/AD system or the BCE/CE system consistently within a single piece of writing. Mixing them can cause confusion.
While BC/AD remains in use, particularly in journalistic contexts and some traditional settings, BCE/CE is increasingly favored in academic, scientific, and international contexts due to its neutrality and inclusivity. Understanding what does BCE mean and CE ensures clarity and sensitivity when discussing history across diverse audiences.
