Dates in History: Chronology and Memory (n1).

The modern method of dating events by reference to an independent time-line came into use slowly, recently and partially. The predominant chronological device in the ancient and medieval worlds was dating by the year of an office, such as a king's reign. The Roman and medieval calendars had much in common, including the annual commemorations of religious, civil and family events. The Jewish idea of jubilee lies behind the growth of centennial and similar celebrations. Personal memory has difficulty with intervals of time and the sequence of happenings, and even today individuals often resort to the ancient dating mechanisms of relative chronology, centred on persons and offices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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