Module: History of the BCE/AD Dating System
Module Overview:
This module explores the origins and development of the BCE (Before Common Era) and AD (Anno Domini) dating system. It examines the role of Dionysius Exiguus in creating this system, its adoption, and how it has evolved over time. The module also discusses the transition to the Gregorian calendar and the introduction of the BCE/CE terminology.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this module, students will be able to:
1. Understand the origin of the BCE/AD dating system.
2. Identify the contributions of Dionysius Exiguus to the calendar system.
3. Explain how the system was adopted and evolved in Europe.
4. Discuss the transition to the Gregorian calendar and the introduction of BCE/CE terminology.
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Lesson 1: Introduction to the BCE/AD Dating System
Key Concepts:
BCE (Before Common Era): Refers to the years before the birth of Jesus Christ.
AD (Anno Domini): Refers to the years after the birth of Jesus Christ.
Discussion Questions:
Why do we use BCE and AD to organize historical events?
How did the early civilizations measure time?
Activity:
Research the Roman calendar and its influence on the development of BCE/AD. Compare it with other ancient calendars like the Hebrew calendar.
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Lesson 2: The Role of Dionysius Exiguus
Key Concepts:
Dionysius Exiguus: A 6th-century Christian monk who created the BC/AD system.
He was tasked with calculating the date of Easter but ended up establishing a new era based on the birth of Jesus Christ.
Discussion Questions:
How did Dionysius Exiguus' work lead to the creation of BC/AD?
What errors did he make in calculating the date of Christ's birth?
Activity:
Write a short essay explaining the significance of Dionysius Exiguus in the development of the calendar system.
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Lesson 3: Adoption and Evolution of BC/AD
Key Concepts:
The BC/AD system slowly became popular, especially after the Carolingian Renaissance in the 9th century.
By the 14th century, it was widely used in Europe.
The system replaced the earlier AUC (Ab urbe condita) calendar, which counted years from the founding of Rome.
Discussion Questions:
How did the BC/AD system affect the recording of historical events in Europe?
Why do you think it took so long for BC/AD to become widely adopted?
Activity:
Create a timeline showing the adoption of BC/AD in Europe, marking key historical events that helped spread the system.
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Lesson 4: The Gregorian Calendar and Transition to BCE/CE
Key Concepts:
Gregorian Calendar: Introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII to correct the leap year discrepancies of the Julian calendar.
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