Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

ˈkrɪs·tʃən ˈɪə·rə

Definitions

• 1. The period in history that is reckoned from the birth of Jesus Christ, often referred to as Anno Domini (A.D.), used to mark dates in Western calendars.
• 2. A system of timekeeping and chronological division that places the birth of Jesus Christ at the dividing point between ancient and modern history.
• 3. The era that forms the basis of the Gregorian calendar, which is commonly used around the world.

Usage Examples

• The Christian Era began in the year traditionally believed to be the birth of Jesus Christ.
• Historians often date important events to the Christian Era, using A.D. to signify years after Christ's birth.

Etymology

The term "Christian Era" is derived from the Latin phrase "Anno Domini" (A.D.), meaning "in the year of our Lord." The use of the Christian Era as a way to date years began in the 6th century when the monk Dionysius Exiguus established the birth of Jesus Christ as the starting point of the era. The Christian Era, which divides history into B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini), became widely adopted with the spread of Christianity throughout Europe and later the world.

Synonyms

• Common Era (C.E.)
• Anno Domini (A.D.)

Antonyms

• Before Christ (B.C.)
• Before Common Era (B.C.E.)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In English-speaking countries, "Christian Era" is often pronounced with the emphasis on the first syllable of "Christian."
• In Spanish-speaking countries, "Era Cristiana" may have a slight variation depending on regional accents, with some areas emphasizing the second syllable of "Cristiana."

Historical Usage

The Christian Era began with the establishment of the Anno Domini system by Dionysius Exiguus in the 6th century. The system was based on the estimated birth year of Jesus Christ, which became the central point of reference for marking years in history. The Christian Era has been widely adopted in most Western societies and is now a global standard, though some countries use alternative dating systems for historical or cultural reasons. The Christian Era divides history into two periods: Before Christ (B.C.) and Anno Domini (A.D.).

Cultural Nuances

While the Christian Era is used globally in secular and religious contexts alike, its origins are deeply tied to Christianity and its historical influence on Western civilization. The division of time based on Christ's birth has had a profound impact on shaping calendars, historical documentation, and cultural practices around the world. In non-Christian cultures, the Christian Era may coexist with other systems, such as the Islamic or Hindu calendars, reflecting diverse historical and cultural perspectives.

More Information

The Christian Era, though primarily used in Western contexts, has been widely adopted as the global standard for marking years. Its use has played an important role in aligning global events and facilitating international communication. Over time, the Christian Era has influenced various fields, including astronomy, history, and the arts. The transition from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, which solidified the Christian Era as the dominant timekeeping system, was a significant event in the history of European civilization.