BCE stands for "Before Common Era," a time designation used to indicate years before the start of the Gregorian calendar. It is often used in historical contexts to provide a secular alternative to the traditional BC (Before Christ) notation. BCE counts years backward from the year 1 CE (Common Era), which is equivalent to AD (Anno Domini). The BCE system is widely accepted in academic and scientific communities for its neutrality and inclusivity. It allows for a clearer understanding of historical timelines without religious connotations, making it easier to study events across different cultures and religions, such as the rise of ancient civilizations or significant historical figures.