In history, AC is an abbreviation that stands for "After Christ." While this term was historically understood to denote years following the birth of Jesus, it is now rarely used in formal historical dating. It has been largely superseded by another, more widely accepted abbreviation: AD.
Understanding the Dating System
The common system for dating events in Western history revolves around the assumed birth year of Jesus Christ. This framework traditionally divides all of history into two main periods: events occurring before Christ's birth and those occurring after.
The Original Meaning of AC
AC directly translates to "After Christ," indicating any year that occurred subsequent to the pivotal point of Christ's birth (more precisely, the transition from 1 BC to 1 AD, as there is no year 0 in this calendar system). Although straightforward, its usage has declined over time in favor of a more traditional Latin term.
Why AD is Preferred Over AC
Instead of AC, the most widely adopted and historically standard abbreviation for dates after the birth of Christ is AD.
- AD stands for Anno Domini.
- Anno Domini is a Latin phrase that roughly translates to "In the year of the Lord."
- This Latin terminology is considered more formal and traditionally appropriate in academic and historical contexts than the simple "After Christ," contributing to its pervasive use across centuries.
Contrasting with BC
To fully grasp this dating convention, it's essential to understand its counterpart for events preceding this period:
- BC stands for "Before Christ."
- This abbreviation is used to refer to events that happened prior to the assumed birth year of Jesus, providing a clear and universally recognized distinction for ancient historical events.
Common Usage in Historical Context
Historians and scholars predominantly use the BC and AD system to denote periods within the Common Era calendar. This provides a consistent chronological framework for ordering historical events globally, particularly in cultures influenced by Western historical dating conventions. For instance, an event in 500 BC signifies a time long before the assumed birth of Jesus, whereas an event in 2023 AD refers to the year 2023 "in the year of the Lord."
| Abbreviation | Full Meaning / Origin | Translation/Definition | Common Usage Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC | After Christ | After the birth of Jesus | Historically understood, now uncommon |
| AD | Anno Domini (Latin) | In the year of the Lord | For years after Christ's birth |
| BC | Before Christ | Before the birth of Jesus | For years before Christ's birth |
