Read BCE and CE Dates Carefully

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BCE year numbers count down toward 1 BCE; CE years count upward from 1 CE. In this convention there is no year zero. For elapsed years crossing the boundary at the same point in the year, add the numbers and subtract one.

Worked example

From the start of 3 BCE to the start of 2 CE is 3 + 2 - 1 = 4 years. BCE and CE use the same numbering as BC and AD.

1. Which date is earlier: 600 BCE or 200 BCE? 200 BCE 600 BCE They are the same year

2. Which year immediately follows 1 BCE? 0 CE 2 BCE 1 CE

3. How many years pass from the start of 2 BCE to the start of 2 CE? Answer

4. How many years pass from the start of 100 BCE to the start of 50 CE? Answer

5. Does a date marked 'about 300 BCE' claim an exact known year? Yes, about means exact No, it signals an approximate date Yes, all ancient dates are exact