Introduction
The timeline of human history is a fascinating subject. It helps us understand the evolution of our civilization and the way we have progressed over the years. But with time, the way we represent the timeline has also changed. One such example is the use of BC and BCE. Although both are used to represent the same time period, they are different in their own way. In this article, we will discuss the BC vs BCE difference.
What is BC?
BC stands for Before Christ. It is used to represent the years before the birth of Jesus Christ. For example, 500 BC means 500 years before the birth of Jesus Christ. The use of BC was popularized by the English monk, Dionysius Exiguus in the 6th century AD. He used it to calculate the date of Easter.
What is BCE?
BCE stands for Before Common Era. It is also used to represent the years before the birth of Jesus Christ. The only difference is that it is a secular version and does not have any religious connotations. The use of BCE started in the 17th century by German astronomers, who wanted to use a non-Christian way of representing dates.
BC vs BCE: What's the Difference?
The main difference between BC and BCE is that one is religious, while the other is secular. BC has a Christian connotation, while BCE does not have any religious connotation. So, depending on one's beliefs, one can use either BC or BCE while representing dates.
Which One Should You Use?
Whether to use BC or BCE is a matter of personal preference. If you are a Christian, you may want to use BC. However, if you are not a Christian or want to use a secular version of representing dates, you can use BCE. The important thing is to be consistent in your use of either BC or BCE.
Other Ways of Representing Dates
Apart from BC and BCE, there are other ways of representing dates as well. One such example is CE, which stands for Common Era. It is used to represent the years after the birth of Jesus Christ. Another example is AD, which stands for Anno Domini, meaning "in the year of our Lord." It is also used to represent the years after the birth of Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BC and BCE are two ways of representing the years before the birth of Jesus Christ. The only difference is that one is religious, while the other is secular. Whether to use BC or BCE is a matter of personal preference. However, it is important to be consistent in your use of either BC or BCE.