Who/When was it decided that the year of Jesus’ birth would be year 0 and the years prior would be known as BC?

by MaccysPeas

I’m curious as to how or why this was decided and communicated across the globe. Were the years being counted differently (and if so how was time recorded prior?) and then one day it was decided to start at 0 again at the year of Jesus’ birth and count from there? Was there any pushback against this?

DanKensington

For obvious reasons, the BC/AD calendar that centers around one Christian religious leader was not yet in place during his birth. It's hardly the only calendar system around, and indeed, is basically a very extended regnal year system. I commend to your attention the appropriate section of the FAQ, everything under Calendars.

Posted on this day, Friday 18 December; Octidi 28 Frimaire, An CCXXIX; 27 Azar of 1399 Solar Hijri; Reiwa 2; 7529 Anno Mundi; the fourth year of the 699th Olympiad; the fourth year of Rodrigo Duterte being President.