From dlupher@ups.edu Sun Sep 19 00:50:24 1999
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Date: Sun, 19 Sep 1999 00:52:38 -0800
To: classics@u.washington.edu
From: dlupher@ups.edu (David Lupher)
Subject: Re: Dionysius Exiguus and St. Bede

Bruce McMenomy and Jim O'Donnell have accurately noted that Bede
was the first to use the Dionysian dating system in a widely read
work of history; hence he deserves credit for installing the bright
idea of the little (or humble) monk in the historical consciousness
of the western world.  

But Allen Koenigsberg objects:
> technically, the "BC" dating system was not introduced until 1627 (by 
>another Denis if I recall).  DE only came up with AD, believe it or not.

But Bede himself referred to events as occurring X number of years "before 
the birth [or Incarnation] of our Lord."  Thus, he dated---or misdated,
rather---Julius Caesar's first invasion of Britain to 60 B.C. at EH 1.2 
and 5.24.

Come to think of it, we went over this question a year or so ago.  No
doubt  Al Kriman could tell us exactly when.

David Lupher
Classics Dept.
Univ of Puget Sound




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