When did Western Culture start using numerical values to express the year, what did they use before, and what event caused the current A.D system?

by Toosh0933

When did westerners begin expressing the year in the current numerical system. I'm sure no one expressed the year '35', especially since Christianity did not take off for many years after Jesus' death. And, how was the year described during the B.C years within 1000 years before year 1?

jschooltiger

Hi there -- not discouraging further answers, but this section of the FAQ has got you covered.