How did cultures date stuff before the CE/BCE calendar development and by extension was there a common reference point for the year "0" among the Mediterranean/Near East cultures ?

by badoosh123

For example, how would a king in the Persian empire refer to the year he started his rule? Did the Babylonians/Assyrians/Persians have the same reference point?

Mictlantecuhtli

There's always room for discussion, but perhaps the section Calendars and timekeeping from our FAQ will answer your inquiry.