Changes

In general, English usage follows Latin by placing the abbreviation ''before'' the year number for AD, but ''after'' the year number for BC, although there are several exceptions to the first part of this principle.  Constructions such as "the fourth century AD" are widely accepted.

In general, English usage follows Latin by placing the abbreviation ''before'' the year number for AD, but ''after'' the year number for BC, although there are several exceptions to the first part of this principle.  Constructions such as "the fourth century AD" are widely accepted.

[BC]] is an English [[initialism]] meaning "Before Christ" and always is the last element. If the context does not otherwise indicate we are in such times, one is obligated to use the form. One can use it with full explicit dates, e.g., "Julius Caesar was killed March 15, 44 BC".

[[BC]] is an English [[initialism]] meaning "Before Christ" and always is the last element. If the context does not otherwise indicate we are in such times, one is obligated to use the form. One can use it with full explicit dates, e.g., "Julius Caesar was killed March 15, 44 BC".