Archaeology Term: A.D.
Anno Domini (A.D.) is a Latin phrase meaning 'in the year of our Lord.' It's used to denote years after the traditionally recognized year of Jesus Christ's birth. While widely used, especially in Western cultures, it's important to note its religious origins and the subsequent development of a more secular alternative.
The system was devised by Dionysius Exiguus in 525 AD. He aimed to replace the Diocletian era, which was associated with a Roman emperor who persecuted Christians. By establishing a new system tied to the birth of Christ, Dionysius sought to mark a new era of Christian dominance.
While A.D. is still widely used, particularly in informal contexts, many scholars and historians prefer the term 'Common Era' (CE). CE is a more secular alternative that avoids the explicit Christian reference. This shift reflects a growing desire for inclusivity and a recognition of the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds of people around the world.
Both A.D. and CE are used to denote years after the birth of Christ. However, CE is considered more appropriate for academic and historical contexts, as it avoids religious connotations.
It's important to note that there is no 'year zero' in the A.D./CE system. The year 1 AD follows directly after 1 BC.
