Ancient Greece & Rome Time & Culture | Alexander Meyer | Talks at Google

TL;DR

This content analyzes ancient Greek and Roman calendrical systems, highlighting their diverse cultural expression and the challenges they faced in reconciling different calendars, with a focus on the calendar reforms by Julius Caesar and Augustus.

Transcript

ALEXANDER MEYER: So I am Alexander Meyer. I'm here thanks to Kate Clugston, who invited me. She's wonderful. And I'm very glad to be here. This is actually my second trip to the New York Google offices, which is very exciting. It feels slightly familiar now. But I am from the University of Western Ontario, AKA Western University, depending on who y... Read More

Key Insights

• 📅 Ancient Greeks and Romans utilized lunar calendars with intercalation to correct inaccuracies.
• 🥺 Various cities had their own calendars, leading to complexities when scheduling events and interactions.
• ✊ Augustus corrected the Roman calendar to align with the solar year and assert his power, exemplifying a desire for order and efficiency.
• 🇷🇴 The Roman and Greek calendars coexisted and influenced each other, demonstrating the multicultural nature of the Roman world.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the intercalation process work in ancient Roman and Greek calendars?

Both the Romans and Greeks used intercalation to adjust their calendars. For example, in the Greek world, the [Octorisus] cycle led to the addition of an intercalary month every eight years, while Roman intercalation relied on the discretion of the priests, known as pontifices.

Q: How did Julius Caesar and Augustus reform the Roman calendar?

Julius Caesar implemented calendar reforms in 46 BCE to correct the discrepancies caused by the lunar calendar's inaccuracy. Augustus further refined the calendar system in 8 BCE, ensuring the leap year occurred every four years, as intended.

Q: What were the political and cultural implications of the Roman Republican and Celtic calendars?

The Roman Republican calendar was susceptible to manipulation for political gain, while the Celtic calendar reflected Celtic traditions and festivals. The Roman calendar aimed to bring order and stability, while the Celtic calendar symbolized resistance and cultural distinctiveness.

Q: How did the Roman calendar and Egyptian obelisk commemorate Augustus' power?

Augustus used the Egyptian obelisk as a symbol of his power in Egypt, reflecting Rome's influence over the region. Erecting the obelisk and correcting the Roman calendar showcased intellectual and cultural assimilation, while still maintaining Rome's authority and symbolism.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ancient Greeks and Romans used lunar calendars, with each city-state having its own calendar and intercalation process to correct for discrepancies.

• The Roman calendar, established by King Numa, was later modified by Julius Caesar and Augustus to align with the solar year.

• Different calendrical systems from different cultures, such as the Hebrew, Persian, and French Republican calendars, showcased cultural and political elements and varying adoption dates.