> Curious. Judging from the above assertions, it seems agreed that Christ was actually born in
> "B.C." times, a little bit before the Year 1 by which we traditionally mark his birth. But where
> do those 4 B.C. and 5-6 B.C. estimates come from? I've been hearing the 5-6 B.C. date more
> and more often. Is there new research to support that finding?

The way it was explained to me:

According to the Bible, Jesus and his family spent some time in Egypt to avoid persecution by King
Herod, returning to their home when they received news that he was dead.
Therefore, Jesus was born before Herod died.
History records that Herod snuffed it in 4 BC.

Paul