Legal Definitions - A.U.C.

A.U.C. is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase Ab Urbe Condita, which translates to "from the founding of the city." This term refers to a system of dating used in ancient Rome, where years were counted starting from the traditional date of Rome's founding in 753 BCE (Before the Common Era).

It served as a chronological reference point for historical events, much like the Gregorian calendar uses the birth of Christ as its epoch. While not the only dating system used by Romans, it was significant for historical records and monumental inscriptions, providing a consistent way to mark time relative to the origin of the Roman state.

• Example 1: Historical Chronicle

  A Roman historian, writing about the life of Julius Caesar, might state that "Caesar was assassinated in the Senate on the Ides of March in the year 709 A.U.C."

  Explanation: This example illustrates how A.U.C. was used to pinpoint significant historical events within the Roman timeline. By stating "709 A.U.C.", the historian provides a precise date according to the Roman system, indicating that the assassination occurred 709 years after the traditional founding of Rome.

• Example 2: Monumental Inscription

  An ancient Roman triumphal arch might bear an inscription dedicating it to an emperor, concluding with the date "DCCCL A.U.C." (850 A.U.C.).

  Explanation: Here, A.U.C. is used in a public, monumental context. The inscription serves as a permanent record, and the date "DCCCL A.U.C." clearly marks the year of the arch's dedication as 850 years after Rome's founding, providing a historical context for its construction.

• Example 3: Modern Academic Discussion

  A contemporary scholar, analyzing the legislative reforms of the Roman Republic, might write, "The Lex Hortensia, a crucial law granting plebiscites the force of law, was passed in 467 A.U.C. (287 BCE)."

  Explanation: This demonstrates how A.U.C. is still used today by historians and classicists. By referencing "467 A.U.C.", the scholar accurately places the law within the ancient Roman chronological framework, often accompanied by its modern BCE equivalent for clarity to a broader audience.