Understanding the Past: 100 Years Ago, A Journey Through Time

How Long Was 100 Years Ago?

Did you ever learn subtraction in elementary school? If so, you may recall taking away 100 from 2023 to determine how many years ago 100 AD was. If not, don’t worry; you’re not alone. Many of us, including those who thought they would never use math after school, find ourselves trying to calculate past dates with the help of a handy calculator.

Decoding Time: A.E. and B.C.

The vast majority of people I’ve spoken with over the years have mistakenly believed that A.D. stands for "After Death." And given that B.C. means "Before Christ," it's understandable. However, this common misconception overlooks the Latin translation: Anno Domini (A.D.) translates to "In the Year of Our Lord," not "After Death." This accuracy in linguistic understanding is crucial for a correct comprehension of historical timelines.

100 Years Ago: Roaring 20s and Social Shifts

100 years ago was during the famous 'Roaring 20s,' a period that followed World War I (WWI). In the aftermath of such a conflict, people were eager to indulge themselves, indulging in a new-found freedom that saw changes in fashion and social norms. Skirt lengths rose, and societal conformity began to wane. It was a time of change, marking the end of the 19th century.

Math and Historical Calculations: 1918 Years Ago

It's also worth noting that 100 years ago is not just a simple case of adding or subtracting years. For instance, if you subtract 1018 from 2018, you get 100 A.D. This historical calculation helps us place 100 years ago in a broader context of historical events. For example, if we subtract 1918 from 2018, we are at the edge of the 20th century, a period marked by profound social and technological changes.

A World of Differences: Society and Technology in 100 AD

So, let's take a journey back to 100 years ago, specifically 100 AD. At this time, monotheistic religions were not as widespread as they are today. Christianity had yet to become the state religion of any nation, and Islam had not even been founded. The landscapes of society and religion were vastly different from what we know today.

From a technological standpoint, life in 100 AD was quite different. Saddle designs did not include stirrups, which made horseback riding significantly more challenging and uncomfortable. Imagine not having the support of stirrups, which could lead to serious injury or discomfort when mounting a horse. At the same time, there were remarkable advancements, such as the use of stirrupless Roman saddles, plumbing for hot water, and multi-story apartments.

Geographically, ancient civilizations such as Rome had access to hot water via lead pipes, which was a luxury not enjoyed until much later. As for exploration, while there was some mapping of Europe, Asia, and Africa, the scope of exploration was still quite limited from a Western perspective. It was a time when the world was much less explored than it is today.

Food and Cuisine: Basic Nourishment

The world of 100 AD was quite different from our modern one in terms of cuisine. Old-world civilizations did not have tomatoes, potatoes, or chocolate—luxuries that we take for granted today. Sweeteners in food often came from honey, but imagine how different our diets would have been from what we enjoy today.

The Evolution of Language and Society

In terms of language, English was not yet a language in the modern sense. Shakespeare, a giant in the world of literature, was still decades away from writing his famous works. Societally, Western democracy had effectively ended with the fall of the Roman Republic, and for over a thousand years, monarchies and empires dominated political landscapes.

Lastly, child mortality was alarmingly high, with about 50% of children not surviving to their fifth birthday. The absence of painkillers and antibiotics took a significant toll on the health and well-being of people. It was a time that, while providing us with historical insights, can also be quite challenging to fully comprehend.

Understanding the timeline and cultural shifts over the years not only provides us with a richer historical context but also helps us appreciate the advancements we’ve made as societies. 100 years ago was a time of profound change, offering invaluable lessons for our modern lives.