History, Months, and Roman Timekeeping
This post features resources I’ve created just for you! Enjoy this blog about the Roman Calendar, and be sure to click the link below to get your very own Ancient Rome Latin Pocket Calendar:
Ancient Rome Latin Pocket Calendar
The Ancient Roman calendar is a fascinating window into the daily life, culture, and society of ancient Rome. From its early beginnings to the Julian reforms, understanding the Roman calendar helps us explore how the Romans measured time, celebrated festivals, and structured their political and religious life.
Origins of the Roman Calendar
The earliest Roman calendar was said to have been created by Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, around 753 BCE. This Roman lunar calendar initially had just 10 months, starting with Martius (March) and ending with December. The months January and February were added later by Numa Pompilius, Rome’s second king, to align the calendar more closely with the solar year.
January is named after the god Janus, the Roman god who looks back and forward at the same time
- Martius (March) – Named for Mars, the god of war
- Aprilis (April) – Possibly derived from “aperire,” meaning “to open,” reflecting spring
- Maius (May) – Named after Maia, goddess of growth
- Iunius (June) – Named for Juno, queen of the gods
- Quintilis (July) – “Fifth month,” later renamed July for Julius Caesar
- Sextilis (August) – “Sixth month,” later renamed August for Augustus Caesar
- September – “Seventh month”
- October – “Eighth month”
- November – “Ninth month”
- December – “Tenth month”
Roman Timekeeping and the Calendar System
The original Roman calendar was a lunar calendar, meaning it was based on the phases of the moon. However, lunar calendars often drifted from the solar year, leading to confusion over seasons. To fix this, Roman priests, called pontiffs, would occasionally add an extra month, called Mercedonius, to realign the calendar—a system that was often inconsistent.
The Julian Calendar Reform
In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar reformed the Roman calendar with the help of the astronomer Sosigenes of Alexandria, creating the Julian calendar. This calendar was solar-based rather than lunar, with 365 days in a year and a leap day every four years. The Julian calendar made Roman timekeeping far more predictable and is the basis for the modern Gregorian calendar we use today.
Roman Festivals and Holidays
The Roman calendar was not just a tool for marking time; it was central to Roman religious and social life. Important festivals, known as feriae, were celebrated throughout the year, honoring gods, marking seasonal changes, and commemorating military victories. Some notable Roman holidays included:
- Saturnalia – Celebrated in December in honor of Saturn
- Lupercalia – February festival for fertility and purification
- Floralia – Spring festival for Flora, goddess of flowers
Legacy of the Ancient Roman Calendar
The influence of the Ancient Roman calendar can still be seen today in the names of the months, the concept of leap years, and the way we organize our yearly schedules. Studying Roman timekeeping not only gives us insight into Roman history but also illustrates how cultures have shaped the way humans measure time.
Using the Ancient Rome Latin Pocket Calendar in Your Classroom
Integrating the Ancient Rome Latin Pocket Calendar into your classroom offers a hands-on approach to teaching both Latin and Roman history. This printable resource provides a visual and interactive way for students to engage with the structure of the Roman calendar, reinforcing their understanding of Latin vocabulary and the cultural significance of Roman timekeeping.
Classroom Applications:
- Latin Vocabulary Practice: Students can label the calendar with Latin month names, enhancing their vocabulary retention and understanding of Latin grammar.
- Historical Context: Use the calendar to discuss the origins and evolution of the Roman calendar, connecting linguistic elements with historical developments.
- Cultural Integration: Incorporate discussions about Roman festivals and holidays, allowing students to explore the cultural practices associated with each month.
- Creative Projects: Encourage students to create their own Roman-style calendars, applying their knowledge of Latin and Roman history in a creative format.
By utilizing this resource, educators can provide a comprehensive learning experience that combines language acquisition with historical and cultural exploration.