Figuring out what Roman dates are on the modern calendar is confusing and requires certain compromises since we use a different calendar.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 30 minutes
Here's How:
- Roman dates used Roman numerals (I=1, II=2, III=3, IV=4, V=5, VI=6, VII=7, VIII=8, IX=10, XI=11).
- The Romans didn't have four plus weeks each month. Instead, they had three named days in every month. The date was counted backward from whichever of these three points was closest.
- Romans used INCLUSIVE counting.
- KALENDS - The first day of every month is called the Kalends.
- IDES - The 13th day of a short month or the 15th day of a long month is the Ides. (March 15 would be Idus Martias.)
- NONES - The fifth day of a short month and the seventh of a long month is the Nones.
- One day before each of these days is called 'pridie.' (March 14 would be pridie Idus Martias.)
- A.D. III Id. Mart.=3 days before the Ides of March or March 13. A.D. Pridie Non. Mai=1 day before the Nones of May=May 6. A.D. X Kal. Iun=10 days before the Kalends of June=May 21.
- The months of the year are: Ianuarius, Februarius, Martius, Aprilis, Maius, Iunius, Iulius, Augustus, September, October, November, and December.
Tips:
- Number of days: Januarius 29, Februarius 28, Martius 31, Aprilis 29, Maius 31, Junius 29, Quinctilis 31, Sextilis 29, September 29, October 31, November 29, December 29.
