Final answer:
Ancient history refers to different time periods based on cultural context, with varied end dates such as the fall of the Han dynasty for China. Dionysius Exiguus in the 6th century established AD/BC dates, while BCE/CE is now used for inclusivity and secularism in academia.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'ancient history' refers to a period that varies depending on geographical and cultural context. In China, the ancient period includes history up until the 19th century, while in American and European contexts, ancient history typically ends with significant events such as the fall of the Han dynasty. The timeline of history is divided into various eras such as the Paleolithic Age, which began over 3 million years ago, and encompasses different periods including ancient Egypt, Greece, and the civilizations in Africa and Asia.
In the 6th century, Dionysius Exiguus, a Christian monk, developed the Anno Domino (AD) and Before Christ (BC) dating system, which created a reference date based on the Christian understanding of the year of Jesus Christ's birth. Other religions and cultures have their own calendars; however, to provide a more secular and inclusive designation, many academic and scientific communities now use Before the Common Era (BCE) and Common Era (CE). This naming system is meaningful on a global scale, removing the religious connotations associated with the AD/BC system.