Year One

Year Zero

The absence of a year zero in our calendar system presents a unique challenge in date calculation. Gary Arndt explains that while it might seem logical for zero to precede one, the concept of dating events from a specific point negates the need for a year zero. This creates complications when calculating dates across different eras, such as the year 21 being 2000 years ago, while 21 BC was 2042 years ago 1.

This unquestionably is the weakest part of our calendaring system. There is no year zero, which both makes sense and doesn't make sense.

--- Gary Arndt

The use of BC and AD, originating from English and Latin respectively, further complicates matters, as these terms are not universally accepted 1.

   

AD vs CE

The transition from AD to CE has sparked considerable debate over the years. Initially, the term "vulgar era" was used to distinguish the common calendar from church calendars, but it evolved into "common era" by the 18th century 2. Gary Arndt notes that while CE is now widely accepted, some prefer not to define it, allowing for interpretations like "Christian Era" or "Calendar Eradic" 2.

Some people have taken to not defining what CE means at all. It can mean common era, it can mean Christian era, or it could be calendar eradic.

--- Gary Arndt

Despite these variations, both AD/BC and CE/BCE are still in regular use, with different organizations adopting different conventions 1.

   

Holocene Calendar

The Holocene calendar offers a potential solution to the inconsistencies of our current system. By simply adding 10,000 to the current year, it eliminates the need for counting backwards before year one, making it easier to understand and apply 2. Gary Arndt suggests that while the Holocene calendar might appeal to historians and archaeologists, its widespread adoption is unlikely.

It's called the Holocene calendar, abbreviated HE. The Holocene is the geologic period that we are in now, and it ended after the last ice age.

--- Gary Arndt

Despite its simplicity and problem-solving potential, the current system, based on a possibly inaccurate date of Jesus's birth, is likely to persist 2.