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Dionysius Exiguus established the Christian ecclesiastical calendar system around 525 CE, designating the epoch at the presumed date of Jesus' incarnation.
Answer: True
Explanation: Dionysius Exiguus, a Christian monk, devised the principle for numbering years in the Christian ecclesiastical calendar around 525 CE, with the epoch set at the believed date of Jesus' incarnation.
Bede facilitated the widespread adoption of the AD/BC system by introducing the concept of a year zero between 1 BCE and 1 CE.
Answer: False
Explanation: Bede contributed to the widespread adoption of the year numbering system by introducing backward dating for years before 1 CE, but explicitly *without* a year zero.
Who formulated the principle for numbering years within the Christian ecclesiastical calendar, approximately in 525 CE?
Answer: Dionysius Exiguus
Explanation: Dionysius Exiguus, a Christian monk, devised the principle for numbering years in the Christian ecclesiastical calendar around the year 525 CE.
What was the initial Latin designation employed by Dionysius Exiguus for the new era he established?
Answer: *Anno Domini Nostri Jesu Christi*
Explanation: Dionysius Exiguus labeled the column for the new era in his tables as *Anni Domini Nostri Jesu Christi*.
Which historical figure significantly contributed to the widespread adoption of the year numbering system in Europe by utilizing it in 731 CE and introducing the practice of backward dating without a year zero?
Answer: Bede
Explanation: Bede, in England, contributed to the widespread adoption of this year numbering system in Europe by using it in 731 CE and introducing the practice of dating years before 1 CE backwards, without a year zero.
Johannes Kepler is credited with the first use of the English term 'Vulgar Era' in a publication from 1615.
Answer: False
Explanation: Johannes Kepler first used the *Latin* phrase *annus aerae nostrae vulgaris* in 1615. The English term 'Vulgar Era' first appeared in print in 1635.
Historically, the term 'Vulgar Era' served to differentiate the widely used Anno Domini era from the regnal year system, which was typically employed in national law.
Answer: True
Explanation: The term 'Vulgar Era' was used to distinguish the popular Anno Domini era from the regnal year system, which referred to the year of a sovereign's reign and was typically used in national law.
The English phrase 'Common Era' made its initial appearance in print within an astronomy book published in 1715.
Answer: False
Explanation: The English phrase 'Common Era' first appeared in print as early as 1708 in *The History of the Works of the Learned*, predating the 1715 astronomy book.
Jewish religious scholars increasingly adopted the term 'Common Era' in the mid-19th century, seeking a dating method less explicitly tied to religious specificity.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jewish religious scholars began to use the term 'Common Era' more widely in the mid-19th century as they sought a less religiously specific way to refer to the calendar era.
In 1938 Nazi Germany, the National Socialist Teachers League mandated the 'common era' convention, adopting a practice already prevalent among German Jews.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1938 Nazi Germany, the National Socialist Teachers League prescribed the use of the 'common era' convention, ironically following a practice that had been common among German Jews since the 18th century.
The expression 'Common Era' can be historically traced to 1615, appearing in a publication by Johannes Kepler.
Answer: True
Explanation: The expression 'Common Era' can be traced back to 1615, when it first appeared in Latin as *annus aerae nostrae vulgaris* in a book by Johannes Kepler.
The term 'Vulgar Era' first emerged in English in 1635, where 'vulgar' denoted something crude or offensive.
Answer: False
Explanation: The term 'Vulgar Era' first appeared in English in 1635, but 'vulgar' in that context meant 'relating to the common people', without any derogatory associations.
In what year did the Latin phrase *annus aerae nostrae vulgaris*, signifying 'year of our common era', first appear in a publication by Johannes Kepler?
Answer: 1615
Explanation: The Latin phrase *annus aerae nostrae vulgaris* first appeared in a book by Johannes Kepler in 1615.
According to *The History of the Works of the Learned*, in what year did the English phrase 'Common Era' first appear in print?
Answer: 1708
Explanation: The English phrase 'Common Era' appears at least as early as 1708 in *The History of the Works of the Learned*.
Which academic cohort initiated a broader adoption of the term 'Common Era' in the mid-19th century, aiming for a less religiously specific designation for the calendar era?
Answer: Jewish religious scholars
Explanation: Jewish religious scholars began to use the term 'Common Era' more widely in the mid-19th century, seeking a less religiously specific way to refer to the calendar era.
In the historical context of 'Vulgar Era' as it emerged in English in 1635, what was the semantic meaning of the term 'vulgar'?
Answer: Relating to the common people.
Explanation: In the historical context of 'Vulgar Era' as it appeared in English in 1635, 'vulgar' meant 'relating to the common people', without any derogatory associations.
What was the function of the term 'Vulgar Era' in differentiating the Anno Domini era?
Answer: To distinguish it from dates of the regnal year, which referred to a sovereign's reign.
Explanation: The term 'Vulgar Era' was used to distinguish the Anno Domini era, which was in popular use, from dates of the regnal year, which referred to the year of a sovereign's reign and was typically used in national law.
A 2014 study suggested that BCE/CE notation was rapidly supplanting BC/AD in scholarly literature.
Answer: False
Explanation: A 2014 study found that BCE/CE notation was not growing at the expense of BC/AD in scholarly literature, with both notations being used in a relatively stable fashion.
In 2013, the Canadian Museum of History resolved to exclusively employ BCE/CE in all its public and academic publications.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2013, the Canadian Museum of History reverted to BC/AD for public materials while continuing to use BCE/CE in academic content, not exclusively using BCE/CE.
In 2018, the National Trust in the United Kingdom adopted BCE/CE as its official house style for dating.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2018, the National Trust in the UK stated it would continue to use BC/AD as its house style for dating, not adopt BCE/CE.
English Heritage employs BC/AD for British prehistory based on the belief that the Christian calendar system offers superior historical accuracy for that epoch.
Answer: False
Explanation: English Heritage uses BC/AD for British prehistory because these labels are widely used and understood by the public, not due to a belief in the Christian calendar system's superior historical accuracy for that period.
As of October 2019, the BBC News style guide features entries for both AD/BC and CE/BCE, signifying a flexible approach to dating notation.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of October 2019, the BBC News style guide includes entries for AD and BC, but not for CE or BCE, indicating a preference for traditional notations rather than flexibility in using both.
The 2007 *World Almanac* marked the inaugural edition to transition to BCE/CE notation, following 138 years of employing the traditional BC/AD system.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 2007 *World Almanac* was indeed the first edition to switch to BCE/CE notation, ending 138 years of using BC/AD.
The College Board employs BC/AD notation in its history examinations to uphold consistency with established academic standards.
Answer: False
Explanation: The College Board uses BCE/CE notation in its history tests, not BC/AD.
The History Channel exclusively utilizes BCE/CE notation throughout all its articles to foster religious neutrality.
Answer: False
Explanation: The History Channel uses BCE/CE notation specifically in articles pertaining to non-Christian religious topics, such as Jerusalem and Judaism, not exclusively across all its articles.
The Society of Biblical Literature's style guide advocates for BC/AD in academic religious texts to uphold historical terminology.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Society of Biblical Literature's style guide prefers the use of BCE/CE over BC/AD for academic texts on religion.
In 2006, the Kentucky State School Board issued a mandate for the inclusion of BCE and CE in its revised Program of Studies.
Answer: False
Explanation: In June 2006, the Kentucky State School Board reversed an earlier decision to mandate the use of BCE and CE, leaving the education of these concepts to local discretion.
What were the findings of a 2014 study concerning the prevalence of BCE/CE versus BC/AD in scholarly publications?
Answer: Both notations were being used in a relatively stable fashion, with BCE/CE not growing at the expense of BC/AD.
Explanation: A 2014 study found that the BCE/CE notation was not growing at the expense of BC and AD in scholarly literature, with both notations being used in a relatively stable fashion.
In 2013, how did the Canadian Museum of Civilization (subsequently renamed the Canadian Museum of History) modify its policy on dating notation?
Answer: It reverted to BC/AD for public materials while continuing BCE/CE in academic content.
Explanation: In 2013, the Canadian Museum of Civilization reverted to BC/AD in materials intended for the public, while continuing to use BCE/CE in academic content.
As of 2018, what is the National Trust's official policy regarding dating notation in the United Kingdom?
Answer: It stated it would continue to use BC/AD as its house style.
Explanation: In 2018, the National Trust in the UK affirmed its continued use of BC/AD as its house style for dating, maintaining traditional notation.
What is English Heritage's justification for employing BC/AD in the context of British prehistory?
Answer: Because the BC/AD labels are widely used and understood by the public.
Explanation: English Heritage justifies its use of BC/AD for British prehistory by explaining that these labels are widely recognized and understood by the public, despite the calendar system's Christian origin.
According to the BBC News style guide as of October 2019, what is its position regarding the usage of CE/BCE versus AD/BC?
Answer: It has entries for AD and BC, but not for CE or BCE.
Explanation: As of October 2019, the BBC News style guide includes entries for AD and BC but not for CE or BCE, indicating a preference for traditional notations in its news reporting.
Which prominent almanac transitioned to BCE/CE notation in its 2007 edition, concluding 138 years of adherence to the traditional BC/AD system?
Answer: *The World Almanac*
Explanation: The 2007 *World Almanac* was the first edition to switch to BCE/CE, ending a period of 138 years during which it had used the traditional BC/AD dating notation.
What is the College Board's established policy regarding dating notation in its history examinations?
Answer: It uses BCE/CE notation.
Explanation: The College Board, which administers standardized tests for college admissions in the United States, employs BCE/CE notation in its history examinations.
In which specific context does the US-based History Channel employ BCE/CE notation?
Answer: In articles that pertain to non-Christian religious topics, such as Jerusalem and Judaism.
Explanation: The US-based History Channel utilizes BCE/CE notation in articles pertaining to non-Christian religious topics, such as Jerusalem and Judaism, to maintain religious neutrality in those specific contexts.
What is the Society of Biblical Literature's preferred dating convention for academic texts concerning religion?
Answer: It prefers BCE/CE over BC/AD.
Explanation: The Society of Biblical Literature's style guide for academic texts on religion advocates for the use of BCE/CE over BC/AD, aligning with a broader academic trend towards inclusive language.
In 2006, what was the ultimate determination of the Kentucky State School Board concerning the integration of BCE and CE into its Program of Studies?
Answer: It reversed an earlier decision to mandate BCE and CE, leaving it to local discretion.
Explanation: In June 2006, the Kentucky State School Board rescinded an earlier mandate for the use of BCE and CE in the state's new Program of Studies, instead deferring the instruction of these concepts to local discretion.
The primary rationale for adopting BCE/CE notation is to establish a more chronologically precise historical timeline compared to the traditional AD/BC system.
Answer: False
Explanation: The primary reason for adopting BCE/CE notation is to avoid the religious connotations of 'Anno Domini' and 'Before Christ', making the dating system more inclusive, rather than to provide a more accurate historical timeline.
Kofi Annan posited that the Christian calendar has transitioned into a 'Common Era' owing to its global acceptance as a matter of practical convenience, thereby necessitating a shared system of time reckoning.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kofi Annan argued that the Christian calendar has become a 'Common Era' because people of all faiths use it as a matter of convenience, making a shared way of reckoning time a necessity due to global interaction.
A principal criticism of BCE/CE notation is its complete eradication of any reference to the Christian origins of the calendar system.
Answer: False
Explanation: A central criticism of BCE/CE notation is that it *maintains* the same epoch, chosen to be close to the date of birth of Jesus, thus retaining an underlying Christian basis, rather than completely removing reference to its origin.
Roman Catholic priest Raimon Panikkar endorsed the adoption of 'Common Era' as a more inclusive alternative for global dating.
Answer: False
Explanation: Roman Catholic priest Raimon Panikkar regarded BCE/CE usage as a less inclusive option, considering it 'the acme of colonialism'.
In 1993, Kenneth G. Wilson theorized that the abandonment of AD/BC could precipitate arguments for discarding the conventional numbering system itself, given its Christian foundation.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kenneth G. Wilson speculated in 1993 that if the AD/BC convention were cast aside, some would likely argue for casting aside the conventional numbering system itself, given its Christian basis.
Joshua J. Mark contended that non-Christian scholars adopted CE/BCE to circumvent the use of the Gregorian Calendar altogether.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joshua J. Mark argued that non-Christian scholars embraced CE/BCE to communicate more easily with the Christian community and refer to events using the Gregorian Calendar *without compromising their own beliefs*, not to avoid using the calendar entirely.
What is the principal justification provided for the adoption of BCE/CE notation in preference to AD/BC?
Answer: To avoid religious connotations associated with 'Anno Domini' and 'Before Christ'.
Explanation: The primary reason for adopting BCE/CE notation is to avoid the religious connotations associated with 'Anno Domini' and 'Before Christ', making the dating system more inclusive for individuals of diverse religious backgrounds.
As articulated by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, what is the reason for the Christian calendar's evolution into a 'Common Era'?
Answer: Because people of all faiths use it as a matter of convenience, making a shared way of reckoning time a necessity due to global interaction.
Explanation: Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan contended that the Christian calendar has evolved into a 'Common Era' because individuals of all faiths utilize it for practical convenience, necessitating a shared system of time reckoning due to global interconnectedness.
Despite its objective of religious neutrality, what constitutes a primary criticism leveled against the adoption of BCE/CE notation?
Answer: It maintains the same epoch, chosen to be close to the date of birth of Jesus, thus retaining an underlying Christian basis.
Explanation: A central criticism of BCE/CE notation is that it maintains the same epoch, or starting point, which is aligned with the presumed date of Jesus' birth. Critics argue that since the year numbers are identical, BCE and CE dates are equally problematic for other religions as BC and AD, as the underlying Christian basis persists.
What was the perspective of Roman Catholic priest Raimon Panikkar regarding the utilization of 'Common Era'?
Answer: As a less inclusive option, considering it 'the acme of colonialism'.
Explanation: Roman Catholic priest and writer Raimon Panikkar regarded BCE/CE usage as a less inclusive option, characterizing it as 'the acme of colonialism' because it still imposes Christian calendar numbers on other nations.
In 1993, what 'slippery slope' scenario did Kenneth G. Wilson hypothesize concerning the discontinuation of the AD/BC convention?
Answer: Some would likely argue for casting aside the conventional numbering system itself, given its Christian basis.
Explanation: Kenneth G. Wilson speculated in 1993 that if the AD/BC convention were cast aside, some would likely argue for casting aside the conventional numbering system itself, given its Christian basis, leading to further changes in dating practices.
As per Joshua J. Mark, what motivated non-Christian scholars to adopt the CE and BCE dating system?
Answer: To communicate more easily with the Christian community and refer to events using the Gregorian Calendar without compromising their own beliefs.
Explanation: Joshua J. Mark stated that non-Christian scholars embraced CE and BCE to communicate more easily with the Christian community and refer to events using the Gregorian Calendar without compromising their own beliefs about the divinity of Jesus of Nazareth.
In Nepal, CE notation is commonly used because the local Bikram Sambat calendar's era is vastly divergent from the Common Era, necessitating disambiguation.
Answer: False
Explanation: CE notation is common in Nepal because the local Bikram Sambat calendar's era is *quite close* to the Common Era, requiring disambiguation, not because it is vastly different.
In Spanish, *a. C.* and *a. de C.* are widely used forms for 'Before the Common Era'.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Spanish, *a. C.* and *a. de C.* are common forms for 'Before Christ' (*antes de Cristo*), while *a. e. c.* (*antes de la era común*) is used for 'Before the Common Era'.
The Russian terms *do n.e.* ('before our era') and *n.e.* ('of our era') achieved near-universal adoption following the October Revolution in 1917.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Russian terms *do n.e.* and *n.e.* became almost universally used after the October Revolution in 1917.
In Polish, *p.n.e.* and *n.e.* are predominantly found in religious publications, whereas *Przed Chrystusem* and *po Chrystusie* are common in scientific literature.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Polish, *p.n.e.* and *n.e.* are commonly used in historical and scientific literature, while traditional terms like *Przed Chrystusem* and *po Chrystusie* are used sporadically, mostly in religious publications.
China adopted *gōngyuán* (Common Era) for both internal and external affairs immediately upon the establishment of the Republic of China.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon the foundation of the Republic of China, *xī yuán* (Western Era) was used for international purposes. The People's Republic of China adopted *gōngyuán* (Common Era) in 1949.
In Czech, direct translations of AD (*léta Páně*) or BC (*před Kristem*) are commonly employed in contemporary contexts.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Czech, the direct translations of AD (*léta Páně*) or BC (*před Kristem*) are considered archaic; 'n. l.' and 'př. n. l.' are the modern equivalents.
In Danish, the abbreviations 'f.v.t.' and 'e.v.t.' are positioned before the year number, akin to the flexible placement of AD in English.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Danish, the abbreviations 'f.v.t.' and 'e.v.t.' are always placed *after* the year number, in contrast to the flexible placement of AD in English.
Estonian employs 'e.m.a.' and 'm.a.j.' as equivalents for BCE and CE, respectively, with these abbreviations consistently placed after the year number.
Answer: True
Explanation: In Estonian, 'e.m.a.' and 'm.a.j.' are used as equivalents for BCE and CE, and in all cases, the abbreviation is written after the year number.
Finnish utilizes 'eaa.' and 'jaa.' as equivalents for BCE and CE, with these abbreviations invariably positioned before the year number.
Answer: False
Explanation: In Finnish, 'eaa.' and 'jaa.' are used as equivalents for BCE and CE, and these abbreviations are always written *after* the year number.
What is the specific reason for the notable prevalence of CE notation in Nepal?
Answer: To disambiguate dates from the local Bikram or Vikram Sambat calendar, whose era is quite close to the Common Era.
Explanation: CE notation is particularly common in Nepal to disambiguate dates from the local Bikram or Vikram Sambat calendar, whose era is quite close to the Common Era.
Which are the prevalent Spanish language equivalents for 'BC' (Before Christ)?
Answer: *a. C.* and *a. de C.*
Explanation: In Spanish, common forms for 'BC' are *a. C.* and *a. de C.* (for *antes de Cristo*, 'before Christ').
At what point did the Russian terms *do n.e.* ('before our era') and *n.e.* ('of our era') achieve near-universal adoption?
Answer: Since the October Revolution in 1917.
Explanation: The Russian terms *do n.e.* and *n.e.* became almost universally used since the October Revolution in 1917.
In Polish, in what types of literature are the terms 'p.n.e.' (*przed naszą erą*) and 'n.e.' (*naszej ery*) frequently employed?
Answer: In historical and scientific literature.
Explanation: In Polish, 'p.n.e.' and 'n.e.' are commonly used in historical and scientific literature. Traditional terms like *Przed Chrystusem* and *po Chrystusie* are used sporadically, primarily in religious publications.
In 1949, which term did the People's Republic of China officially adopt for both internal and external affairs to denote the Common Era?
Answer: *gōngyuán* (Common Era)
Explanation: In 1949, the People's Republic of China adopted *gōngyuán* (Common Era) for both internal and external affairs in mainland China.
In Czech, what is the contemporary status of the direct translations for AD (*léta Páně*) or BC (*před Kristem*)?
Answer: They are considered archaic.
Explanation: In Czech, the direct translations of AD (*léta Páně*) or BC (*před Kristem*) are considered archaic; 'n. l.' and 'př. n. l.' are the modern equivalents.
In Danish, what is the positional convention for the abbreviations 'f.v.t.' (*før vor tidsregning*) and 'e.v.t.' (*efter vor tidsregning*) relative to the year number?
Answer: Always after the year number.
Explanation: In Danish, the abbreviations 'f.v.t.' and 'e.v.t.' are always placed after the year number.
Which are the Estonian linguistic equivalents for the phrases 'before our time reckoning' and 'according to our time reckoning'?
Answer: e.m.a. and m.a.j.
Explanation: In Estonian, 'e.m.a.' (*enne meie ajaarvamist*) and 'm.a.j.' (*meie ajaarvamise järgi*) are used as equivalents for 'before our time reckoning' and 'according to our time reckoning', respectively.
In Finnish, what abbreviations denote 'before time reckoning' and 'after the start of time reckoning'?
Answer: eaa. and jaa.
Explanation: In Finnish, 'eaa.' (*ennen ajanlaskun alkua*) and 'jaa.' (*jälkeen ajanlaskun alun*) are used as abbreviations for 'before time reckoning' and 'after the start of time reckoning', respectively.
The abbreviation AD consistently follows the year number, mirroring the placement of BCE and CE.
Answer: False
Explanation: Unlike BCE and CE, which always follow the year number, AD can either precede or follow the year number.
What is the conventional placement rule for the abbreviation CE in relation to the year number?
Answer: It always follows the year number.
Explanation: The abbreviation CE always follows the year number, similar to BCE.