BC

Definition

Initialism of Before Christ.

Etymology

Calque of Latin ante Christum, popularized with the 1627 publication of De doctrina temporum by French theologian Denis Pétau.

Example Sentences

• "The Han Dynasty ruled China from 206 BC to AD 220."
• "[...]Hi vang, King of Yen and of Corea, was defeated, taken and killed in the Year 259 before the Birth of Chriſt, according to the Chineſe Hiſtory, and Tſin vang was acknowledged for Emperor of all China by the Name of Tſin chi hoang ti."