BC and AD are common abbreviations used on timelines to denote periods before and after the estimated birth of Jesus Christ. BC stands for Before Christ and AD stands for Anno Domini, which translates to "In the year of our Lord". Some mistakenly think AD means After Death, but that would place the start at year 33 rather than year 1. Alternatively, timelines may use BCE (Before Common Era) and CE (Common Era) to avoid religious references. The document instructs students to create a timeline using the provided materials and guidelines.

1. Bell Ringer 8/17/16
Predict what the
abbreviations
mean:
BC
AD

2. Objective
• I can create a time line to better understand
historical times.

4. Time Abbreviations
The old abbreviations on a timeline:
–B.C. Before Christ
–A.D. Anno Domini- “In the year of our Lord”
• Many refer to A.D. as “After Death” but that would mean
it starts at 33, not 1.
The new abbreviations on a timeline:
–B.C.E – Before the Common Era
–C.E. – Common Era

5. Let’s Discuss

6. Task 1:
• You will create a time line! You must follow
the steps on the instructions. Grab a sheet
from the bucket and let’s get started!