This book offers a detailed and fascinating picture of the astonishing astronomical knowledge
on which the Roman calendar traditionally attributed to the king Numa Pompilius (reign 715-673
B.C.) was based. This knowledge of Mesopotamian origins related mainly to the planetary
movements and to the occurrence of eclipses in the solar system. The author explains the Numan
year and cycle and illustrates clearly how astronomical phenomena exerted a powerful influence
over both public and private life. A series of concise chapters examine the dates of the Roman
festivals describe the related rites and myths and place the festivals in relation to the
planetary movements and astronomical events. Special reference is made to the movements of the
moon and Venus their relation to the language of myth and the particular significance that
Venus was considered to have for female fertility. The book clearly demonstrates the depth of
astronomical knowledge reflected in the Roman religious calendar and the designated festive
days. It will appeal both to learned connoisseurs and to amateurs with a particular interest in
the subject.
