BC, AD and Centuries - Explaining the Timeline of History

How do we keep track of the deep human past? This episode explains the basic timekeeping terms used in history and archaeology — BC, AD, BCE, and CE — and how they help us organize the long timeline of human history. We also clarify how centuries work, including why historical timelines can feel confusing when moving backward into the ancient world. By establishing a clear framework for time, this episode prepares us to understand prehistoric art, early human history, and the long arc of cultural development.