used this system; but in the twelfth century the basis of computation was changed, so that the Advent became the starting point, and not 312 A.D. Accordingly in the past nine centuries the true Indication I means the first fifteen years of the Christian era. To convert the year of that era into Indiction years it is necessary:—
(a). In pre-twelfth century dates to subtract 312, and then divide by 15. The whole quotient is the Indiction, and the fraction is the year thereof. Thus the Conquest 1066 would he Indiction 50, year the fourth.
(b). In post-twelfth century dates 3 is added, and then — a division by 15 is made. The answer means the same as, and is read like the former. The present year accordingly can appear as Indiction 126, year the ninth.
23. However, before the expiry of the first (Constantine) indiction, Dionysius Exiguus,[1] an Abbot of Rome, a native of Bithynia, an ancient division of Asia Minor, was considering a new system; and then he issued suggestions for and examples of the 'Anno Domini' reckoning.[2] The change did not find immediate acceptance, for I observe a Latin deed of sale now in the British Museum which bears date the seventh year of the reign of Justin the younger, instead of A.D. 572. In fact, it was afterwards discovered that Dionysius had miscalculated the first date in his era, and chronologers are agreed that the Advent should have been fixed as falling on or about October, the fifth year B.C. Notwithstanding this error, the suggestion of Dionysius as to a new era gradually forced its way westward, especially after
