Beware the Ides of March

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The Roman calendar was no different to the one we have today. Seven days a week, twelve months in a year.

 

Originally, all months had 28 days and coincided with the lunar cycle (where the word month derives). However, by the time of the Empire, the calendar had settled down to what we have today. 

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The way the Romans expressed days was different. Instead of counting from the start of the month, they counted towards the next part of the month.

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• Kalends – the first day of the month (or new moon)

• Nones – fifth day of the month (quarter moon)

• Ides – either 13 day (if month was not 31 days long) or 15 day of the month (full moon).

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29 March would be the fourth day before the Kalends of April.

30 March would be the third day before the Kalends of April.

31 March would be the day before the Kalends of April

1 April would be the Kalends of April

2 April would be the fourth day before the Nones of April.

 

And the Ides of March is simply the 15 March!

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The years were commonly identified by the two consuls who held office.

 

153 AD was the year of the Consulship of Rusticus and Rufinus

165 AD was the year of the Consulship of Orfitus and Pudens