From Julian to Gregorian: The double dating dilemma in historical record interpretation
Author(s): Danko Leovac
Abstract: The transition from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar represents one of the most significant shifts in timekeeping history, profoundly influencing how we interpret historical events. This article delves into the complexities introduced by these calendar changes and their implications for historians and researchers. As nations adopted the Gregorian calendar at different times, discrepancies in dates emerged, complicating the task of accurately reconstructing timelines and understanding the sequence of historical events. Historians often encounter challenges such as double dating, where dates are recorded using both calendar systems to mitigate confusion. This practice highlights the difficulties in reconciling historical records from periods when both calendars were in use. This article aims to shed light on the critical importance of understanding calendar changes in historical research and the methodologies employed to navigate these complexities effectively. Through this exploration, we will uncover how seemingly simple shifts in timekeeping can lead to significant misunderstandings and misinterpretations of our shared history.
Danko Leovac. From Julian to Gregorian: The double dating dilemma in historical record interpretation. Int J Hist 2025;7(5):77-81. DOI: 10.22271/27069109.2025.v7.i5b.406
