Circa

Circa (often abbreviated c., ca., or ca, and less frequently circ. or cca.), means "approximately" in several European languages including English, and as a loanword in English, it is used in the context of dates. It signifies that the date which follows is close to but not exactly the date specified. The term is widely used when the exact date is either unknown or an approximation is intended.

Usage

The use of circa is most common in historical and archaeological contexts. It helps to communicate that the provided date or period, such as the year or century, is a best estimate to when an event occurred, or when an object was created, used, or abandoned. This is particularly useful when documenting historical events, the life spans of historical figures, or the age of artifacts whose exact dates cannot be determined by traditional means.

Examples

• Circa 500 BC: The construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza is estimated to have been completed around this time.
• Leonardo da Vinci was born circa 1452, which means he was born close to but not exactly in that year.
• The Magna Carta was issued circa 1215.

Importance

The term circa is crucial for historians, archaeologists, and other scholars who deal with historical records. It allows for a degree of flexibility and acknowledges the limitations of historical evidence. By indicating that a date is approximate, researchers can prevent the spread of misinformation regarding historical timelines and events.

Related Terms

• Decade: A period of ten years. Circa is often used to suggest a specific point within a decade when the exact year is not known.
• Century: A period of one hundred years. Similar to a decade, circa can indicate a rough point within a century.
• Millennium: A period of one thousand years. Though less common, circa can also be applied to suggest a period within a millennium.

See Also

• Historiography
• Chronology
• Anno Domini
• Before Present

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