Understanding AD and BC

What do the abbreviations AD and BC help us do in the study of history?

• Predict future historical events

• Identify the location of historical events

• Organize historical events on a timeline

• Determine the importance of historical events

What does AD stand for in historical timelines?

• After Death

• Anno Domini

• Anno Deity

• After Discovery

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

• It is used in historical timelines

• It stands for After Death

• It refers to the years after the birth of Jesus

• It stands for Anno Domini

What does BC stand for in historical timelines?

• Before Civilization

• Before Century

• Before Common

• Before Christ

How are BC years represented on a timeline?

• As negative numbers increasing from zero

• As negative numbers decreasing towards zero

• As positive numbers increasing from zero

• As positive numbers decreasing towards zero

Who created the AD and BC system?

• Alexander the Great

• Dionysius Exiguus

• Julius Caesar

• Christopher Columbus

What is the main reason Dionysius Exiguus created the AD and BC system?

• To align with the reigns of kings

• To center around the birth of Jesus

• To simplify mathematical calculations

• To replace the Roman calendar

What do BCE and CE stand for?

• Before Christ Era and Christ Era

• Before Christian Era and Christian Era

• Before Common Era and Common Era

• Before Current Era and Current Era

Why do some people prefer using BCE and CE over BC and AD?

• They are more accurate

• They are more secular

• They are more traditional

• They are easier to pronounce

Which cultures historically used different systems than AD and BC?

• Ancient Persia and Babylon

• Ancient Greece and Rome

• Ancient China and India

• Ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia