How the Romans Tracked Time: The Kalends, Nones, and Ides

📅The Roman calendar consisted of 10 months with each month divided into three specific periods: the Kalends, Nones, and Ides.

🌙The Roman months were based on lunar phases, with the Kalends marking the new moon, the Nones falling during the first quarter, and the Ides corresponding to the full moon.

🗒️Roman days of the month were referenced by their proximity to the next lunar phase. For example, instead of using numbers, they would say '3 days before the Nones of January'.

📜The naming system of the Kalends, Nones, and Ides influenced the modern concept of dates and calendars, although our system is now based on a solar year rather than lunar phases.

⭐The Ides of March is the most famous date in the Roman calendar, thanks to its association with the assassination of Julius Caesar.

How did the Romans keep track of time?

—The Romans had a unique system called the Kalends, Nones, and Ides. These markers designated specific days of the month based on the phases of the moon.

Why did the Romans divide the month into three periods?

—Dividing the month helped track time more accurately and determine when specific lunar phases and events would occur.

What is the significance of the Ides of March?

—The Ides of March gained notoriety due to the assassination of Julius Caesar, which happened on this date.

Did the Romans use numbers for the days of the month?

—No, the Romans referenced the days by their proximity to the next lunar phase. They would say 'X days before the Nones/Ides of [month]' instead of using numbers.

How did the Roman calendar system influence our modern concept of dates?

—The naming system of the Kalends, Nones, and Ides influenced our understanding of dates and calendars. However, our calendar is now based on a solar year rather than lunar phases.

00:00Promotion for book sales.

00:15Introduction to the topic of Roman timekeeping and its differences from contemporary timekeeping methods.

02:01Explanation of the Roman calendar, which consisted of 10 months and followed lunar phases.

03:57Description of the Kalends, Nones, and Ides as markers for specific days within the month based on lunar phases.

05:31Explanation of how the Romans referenced days by their proximity to the next lunar phase rather than using numbers.

08:20Discussion of the significance of the Ides of March, which is associated with the assassination of Julius Caesar.

09:20Acknowledgment of famous events that have occurred on the 15th of March throughout history.

10:52Conclusion and call to support the channel on Patreon.