Roman Reforms by Linda Hill

"Roman Reforms" explores the fascinating evolution of the Roman calendar, a system deeply intertwined with Roman society, political history, and even religious practices. From its early lunar-based iterations to Julius Caesar's pivotal Julian calendar reform, the book highlights how timekeeping influenced and reflected the Roman world. Intriguingly, the early Roman calendar required frequent "intercalation," or the insertion of extra days, to align with the solar year, showcasing the challenges of early timekeeping. The book argues that Caesar's reforms were more than just technical adjustments; they were a reflection of Rome's growing imperial power and cultural influence. By examining primary sources and archaeological evidence, "Roman Reforms" traces the calendar's journey from a somewhat chaotic system to the foundation for the Gregorian calendar we use today. Each chapter progresses chronologically, starting with the limitations of the lunar calendar, then analyzing the political climate surrounding Caesar’s changes, and finally assessing the lasting global impact of the Julian calendar.