The First Century

The first century is the period that began in the year 1 AD and ended in the year 100 AD. It is the first century in the Common Era (AD/CE) system of dating, which is now the most widely used method of counting years in the world. This system was developed many centuries later, so people living at that time did not use it.

At the beginning of the century, the Roman Empire controlled the Mediterranean basin, while in the far east the Han dynasty ruled China. Both systems possessed extensive administrative and military structures and were connected by trade routes spanning land and sea.

The system of counting years

The century begins with the year 1 AD, since the system has no year zero. The year before is 1 BC. Therefore the first century ends with the close of the year 100, not year 99.

The Roman Empire

Rome was in the early period of the empire, after the system of republic had given way to rule by a single person. Successive emperors expanded the borders, particularly in the northwest of Europe. A network of roads, taxation, and standing armies connected distant territories.

Asia and China

China under the Han dynasty underwent a division of administration in the middle of the century, after which a new administration was established with its capital moved eastward. In northern India and Central Asia there were trading kingdoms that controlled the routes of the Silk Road.

Religion and thought

The century saw the emergence of Christianity in the Levant region under Roman rule, after which small groups spread it to cities around the Mediterranean. At the same time, Buddhism was expanding along the trade routes toward East Asia.