Standardized under the Julian and Gregorian calendars, the system spread throughout Europe and the Christian world during the centuries that followed. AD stands for Anno Domini, Latin for “in the year of the Lord”, while BC stands for “before Christ”.

When did BC end and AD begin?

There is no zero year -- in this system, the year Christ was born is 1 A.D., and the year preceding it is 1 B.C. This practice was first suggested in the sixth century A.D., and was adopted by the pope of that time. It took quite a while for it to become a worldwide standard, however.

What year is 2020 AD or BC?

Many people would tell you this is the year A.D. 2020. Others might call it the year 2020 C.E. Some would say its the year 4718, 1441, or even 5780! It all depends on which of the worlds many calendars youre reading. Today, most countries use the Gregorian calendar as their civil calendar.

What was going on in the year 1111?

Europe. April 13 – Henry V is crowned as Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Paschal II. Henry returns to Germany, where he strengthens his power by granting privileges to the German nobles of the region of the Upper Rhine. Almoravid forces under Syr ibn Abi Bakr capture Santarém and Sintra.