Exploring the Naming of the First Century: From AUC to AD
The concept of dating events into centuries is an ancient practice that has evolved over time, reflecting the changing cultural, religious, and calendrical frameworks that have shaped human history. Specifically, the First Century - a period marking significant developments in the Roman Empire and paving the way for monumental changes in the world - has had a diverse nomenclature. This article delves into the different terms used for the 1st Century, from the Roman Julian Calendar to the modern Anno Domini system.
The Roman Julian Calendar and AUC
The early dating methods for the 1st Century were rooted in the Roman Julian Calendar, which was introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC and standardized by Caesar's successor, Augustus. In this calendar, the years were counted from the legendary founding of Rome, known as AUC (Ab Urbe Condita), or “From the Founded City.”
The tradition of AUC was based on the belief that Rome was founded in 753 BC, a date that has been widely accepted and used in Roman and later Western historical records. The key years in the 1st Century under this system would be AUC 817 to AUC 826, beginning with the year 1 AD and ending with the year 10 AD.
The Introduction of Anno Domini (AD)
The shift towards the Anno Domini dating system, or the “Year of Our Lord,” began in the 9th century. During this period, Christian scholars began to use this system to recontextualize historical events within the larger framework of Jewish and Christian millennial beliefs. The idea was to highlight the significance of the birth of Jesus Christ as the defining moment that gave these historical events their purpose and meaning.
Anno Domini first appeared in the works of Dionysius Exiguus, a 6th-century monk who developed a new method for calculating the date of Easter. This new system gradually replaced AUC, becoming the standard for dating in Europe and the Western world. The key years in the 1st Century under the AD system would be AD 1 to AD 10.
The Implementation of the Gregorian Calendar
The modern Gregorian Calendar, which we use today, was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. It was a significant improvement over the Julian Calendar, primarily addressing the issue of the solar year not aligning precisely with the calendar year. In the context of the 1st Century, the conversion from AUC to AD to the Gregorian Calendar would have been a gradual process, with many regions and cultures making the switch at different times.
The key years in the 1st Century under the Gregorian Calendar would be 1 AD to 10 AD. This system is the one most commonly used today in English-speaking countries and is the standard for documentation and historical reference.
Conclusion: No Specific Name Before AD
It is important to note that the First Century was not called anything distinct before the 9th century. The term “1st Century” as we know it today is a relatively new concept, emerging with the adoption of the Anno Domini system. Before this time, the period was simply referred to as “years AD,” with 1 being the starting point of this new era.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the first century called before AD?Before the 9th century, the First Century wasn’t called anything distinct. The period was simply referred to as “years AD,” with 1 being the starting point of this new era. What is the difference between AUC and AD?
AUC (Ab Urbe Condita) is the Roman system, which marks the years from the legendary founding of Rome. AD (Anno Domini) is the Christian system, which marks the years from the birth of Jesus Christ, and is the system most widely used today. Why did the Anno Domini system replace AUC?
The Anno Domini system replaced AUC because of its religious and cultural significance, reflecting Christian millennial beliefs and emphasizing the historical and religious importance of the birth of Jesus Christ.