What Age Are We Currently Living In? Exploring The Modern Era

The age we are currently living in is officially known as the Holocene epoch. This epoch commenced approximately 11,700 years ago, following the conclusion of the last major ice age. As of May 19, 2022, we find ourselves in the midst of the Holocene epoch. This geological era is characterized by relatively stable and mild climatic conditions, making it an essential period for the development of human civilization and the flourishing of biodiversity on Earth.

As of January 1, 2023, we find ourselves in the midst of various historical and world calendars, each marking the passage of time differently. To better understand our current year, let’s explore some of these calendars:

1. Chinese Calendar: According to the Chinese calendar, we are in the year 4,720.

2. Julian Calendar: The Julian calendar places us in the year 2,776.

3. Buddhist Calendar: In the Buddhist calendar, it is the year 2,563.

4. Gregorian Calendar: The widely used Gregorian calendar, which is most familiar to many, designates our current year as 2023.

These diverse calendar systems offer unique perspectives on time, enriching our understanding of the era we currently inhabit.

Are we currently residing in the Iron Age? The Iron Age is a historical period that saw the widespread use of iron tools and weapons, but its exact timeline varies depending on the region. For many scholars, the end of the Iron Age is often dated to around 550 B.C., a significant point marked by the commencement of Herodotus’ seminal work, “The Histories,” often referred to as the birth of historical recording. However, it’s essential to note that the conclusion of the Iron Age can differ by geographical area. In Scandinavia, for instance, this era continued until approximately A.D. 800, coinciding with the emergence and dominance of the Viking civilization. Thus, when we discuss the Iron Age, we must consider both the global context and regional variations in its timeline. [Published on January 3, 2018]

Current year according to various historical and world calendars, as of January 1. 2023

Characteristic	Current year
Chinese	4,720
Julian*	2,776
Buddhist	2,563
Gregorian	2,023