Christians used the Anno Mundi calendar and the Roman calendar in the early years of the faith. In c. 525 CE, however, a new concept in dating was introduced by a Christian monk named Dionysius Exiguus (c. 470-544 CE) which provided the groundwork for the later dating system of BC/AD.

What is the dating system?

Dating system may refer to: Any system of chronological dating, especially. A calendar era, a system of year numbers.

When did the dating system begin?

The Anno Domini dating system was devised in 525 by Dionysius Exiguus to enumerate the years in his Easter table. His system was to replace the Diocletian era that had been used in an old Easter table, as he did not wish to continue the memory of a tyrant who persecuted Christians.

Where did the dating system come from?

Spread of the system The B.C./A.D. system gained in popularity in the ninth century after Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne adopted the system for dating acts of government throughout Europe. By the 15th century, all of Western Europe had adopted the B.C./A.D. system.

How is BC and AD used in dating events?

The A.D. and B.C. following Gregorian calendar dates are overtly Christian references. A.D. stands for anno domini (the year of our Lord in Latin--the once presumed birth date of Jesus) and B.C. stands for before Christ. Israel and some other nations substitute B.C.E.