2

I am using Microsoft Project 2003 for an historic timeline, this means historical dates that go back 1000s of years. I realize using ms-project may be overkill, but it is actually the same as a project, but with pre-modern start dates.

I tried doing this in Excel and got it to work after a fashion using my first date as a minus (for ex. -4026). Then I set up a custom format so that it appears as 4026 B.C.E. (B.C.E. represent "anno mundi" or "BC"). I tried adding a spinner control but it's values cannot go below 0, so I can't highlight columns until I get to a positive date. Solved that by adding another row starting from 0.

Nevertheless, it's cumbersome, so I'd prefer to use MS-Project if possible.

Is this possible? Are there any alternatives?

Thanks in advance.

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
2

To get something that looks like this:

enter image description here

  1. Create a new Project and set the project calendar to 24 Hours and a start date of 1/1/2018.
  2. Customize the Start1 field with this formula: (4200+[Number1])+DateSerial(2018,1,1) (where 4200 is bigger than your largest BCE date)
  3. Customize the Text1 field to format the dates as needed; e.g. IIf([Number1]=0,"0",IIf([Number1]<0,[Number1] & " B.C.E",[Number1] & " A.D"))
  4. Enter the tasks like this, where the Start1 calculated date is manually copied to the Start field:

enter image description here

5. Format the Gantt Timescale like this:

enter image description here

6. Format the Gantt Bar Styles like this:

enter image description here

Improve this answer
1
  • This works by converting years to days so that they fit within the date range usable by MS Project.
    – Rachel Hettinger
    May 21, 2018 at 16:18

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.