How Dates Work In Art History

Question 0

What religions follow a calendar based on the moon cycle?

Answer 0

Islam and Judaism

Question 1

How long has our calendar been around for?

Answer 1

Since 1582, Gregorian calendar instituted by Pope Gregory

Question 2

What does BC or AD stand for? CE and BCE? Which is used today?

Answer 2

BC = Before Christ
AD = ‘Anna Domini’/In the Year of the Lord
BCE = Before Common Era
CE = Common Era
BCE (back) and CE (forward) are used today

Question 3

What does circa mean?

Answer 3

Approximately, but is used to denote a general period in time