I can only try
Member
Joseph-
Yes, the current secular year system was not used in those days.
Several years ago a magazine article (I think it was in the J.O., titled “nnnn? Says Who?” with “nnnn” being the secular year, but I’m not positive) explained that the secular years which are numbered after yoshko were first used hundreds of years after his death on a “best guess” basis, and may in actuality be way off.
Very interesting point, ICOT.