The AD/CE system we use to date the year was introduced more or less by accident during the Middle Ages. Before its invention, the classical world used a wide range of dating systems.

Please consider supporting this channel on Patreon:
  / toldinstone  

If you liked this video, you might also enjoy my book “Naked Statues, Fat Gladiators, and War Elephants: Frequently Asked Questions about the Ancient Greeks and Romans.”

https://www.amazon.com/NakedStatues...

If you're so inclined, you can follow me elsewhere on the web:
  / toldinstone  
  / toldinstone  
  / 20993845.garrett_ryan  

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:51 Ancient Greek Calendars
1:42 Counting by Olympiads
2:22 The Seleucid Era
2:56 Consular Dating
3:26 Ab Urbe Condita
4:28 Indictions
4:56 Christian Chronology
5:40 Anno Domini
7:00 Conclusion