Decoding Time: Understanding BC AD BCE and CE in History and Art

The video explains the historical and modern conventions of dating years using BC, AD, BCE, and CE. It clarifies that BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini) are traditional terms based on the birth of Jesus Christ, with BC years counting backward. AD is often misunderstood as 'after death,' but it actually means 'year of our Lord.' The video also introduces BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) as secular alternatives to BC and AD, which have become more popular in recent years. The video emphasizes that while the abbreviations differ, the timeline remains the same.

What is the main purpose of the video by Alessandro?

• To discuss the history of art

• To explain the meaning of BC, BCE, AD, and CE

• To analyze the birth of Jesus Christ

• To explore medieval European history

What event was chosen as the starting point for counting years in medieval Europe?

• The beginning of the Renaissance

• The birth of Jesus Christ

• The birth of Julius Caesar

• The fall of the Roman Empire

How are years before the birth of Christ labeled?

• BCE

• CE

• AD

• BC

What does 'AD' stand for in Latin?

• After Death

• Anno Dei

• Anno Domini

• Ante Domini

Which of the following is a common misconception about 'AD'?

• It is used for years after Jesus' birth

• It is a secular term

• It means 'After Death'

• It stands for 'Anno Domini'

What is the secular alternative to 'BC'?

• AD

• CE

• AC

• BCE

What does 'CE' stand for?

• Christian Era

• Common Era

• Century Era

• Current Era

How are the abbreviations BCE and CE placed in relation to the year number?

• Both before the year number

• Both after the year number

• CE before, BCE after

• BCE before, CE after

Why were BCE and CE introduced?

• To align with modern scientific standards

• To simplify historical timelines

• To provide a non-religious alternative

• To replace AD and BC entirely

What is the main takeaway regarding the use of BC, AD, BCE, and CE?

• They are different scales of time

• They are only used in religious contexts

• They are interchangeable without any rules

• They are different conventions with the same scale