CE stands for “common (or current) era”, while BCE stands for “before the common (or current) era”. These abbreviations have a shorter history than BC and AD, although they still date from at least the early 1700s.

What does C mean in BCE?

Before Common Era The C in BCE and CE stands for common. So its Before Common Era and Common Era.

What does C 1200 CE mean?

BCE/CE usually refers to the Common Era (the years are the same as AD/BC). That is, BC is usually understood to mean Before the Common Era and CE to mean Common Era, though it is possible to reinterpret the abbreviations as Christian Era.

What is BC BCE CE and AD?

Before the Common Era (BCE) is the era before CE. BCE and CE are alternatives to the Dionysian BC and AD notations, respectively. The Dionysian era distinguishes eras using the notations BC (Before Christ) and AD (Latin: Anno Domini, in [the] year of [the] Lord).