diff --git a/lib/feedparser/feedparser.rb b/lib/feedparser/feedparser.rb
index e2c7a12..6445842 100644
--- a/lib/feedparser/feedparser.rb
+++ b/lib/feedparser/feedparser.rb
@@ -283,6 +283,9 @@ def parse(item)
             end
           end
         end
+        if not @date.nil? and @date.year < 1970
+          @date = Time.new(1970, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0)
+        end
       end
       # Creator
       if (e = item.elements['dc:creator'] || item.elements['author'] ||
@@ -358,6 +361,9 @@ def parse(item)
             end
           end
         end
+        if not @date.nil? and @date.year < 1970
+          @date = Time.new(1970, 1, 1, 0, 0, 0, 0)
+        end
       end
       # Creator
       item.each_element('author/name') do |e|