What do the abbreviations BC, AD, BCE, and CE mean? Here is a quick explanation of what those abbreviations mean and what we mean by terms like century and circa. Because who else gets confused when we say the 13th century BC or BCE?

Learn more in this short video that uses as examples an ancient Chinese oracle bone, an Olmec colossal head, and a self-portrait by Sofonisba Anguissola.

Hint: AD doesn't mean "after death."