BCE (or B.C.E.) and CE (or C.E.)

Definition: BCE stands for "Before the Common Era" and it is basically equivalent to "BC", except that it doesn't have the Christian religious connotations of BC. That makes it preferable for some scholars. Unfortunately, in our contentious world, using BCE also sometimes offends people, some of whom have suggested that we use plus signs and minus signs to indicate the years before the Julian calendar start date of 0.

Similarly, the abbreviation C.E. means "the Common Era."

Other Common Calendar Designations

• AD vs CE, The Battle Rages On
• A.D.
• A.H.
• B.C.
• B.P.

This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.