Unraveling the Roman Calendar

Unraveling the Roman Calendar

• Kalends: First day of any month

• Nones: Usually on the 5th of any month, except in 'Marcus Makes Jellied Octopus' months (March, May, July, and October) where it's on the 7th

• Ides: Usually on the 13th, except in 'Marcus Makes Jellied Octopus' months where it's on the 15th

Unraveling the Roman Calendar

The Romans counted 'inclusively', so when subtracting from a reference day, count the reference day first. For example, three days before the Ides of March for us would be the 12th of March, but for the Romans, it would be the 13th.

Unraveling the Roman Calendar

• The Roman calendar consisted of three main parts: Kalends, Nones, and Ides.

• Kalends marked the first day of the month.

• Nones fell on the 7th day in March, May, July, and October, and on the 5th day in the other months.

• Ides fell on the 15th day in March, May, July, and October, and on the 13th day in the other months.

• Julius Caesar and Augustus made changes to the calendar, resulting in 3 I (intercalary) days in certain months.