Greek Technology > Attic Calendar

Attic Calendar

The Attic calendar, also known as the Athenian calendar, was a lunisolar calendar used in ancient Athens. It played a crucial role in organizing religious, political, and social events. The calendar was complex, featuring 12 months, each beginning with the new moon, with an intercalary month added periodically to keep the calendar in sync with the solar year.

Structure of the Attic Calendar:

1. Lunisolar Nature:

   • The Attic calendar was based on both lunar cycles and the solar year. Each month began with the new moon, and the calendar year had approximately 354 days.
   • To align the lunar calendar with the solar year, an extra month was added approximately every third year, known as an intercalary month.

2. Months of the Attic Calendar:

   • The calendar had 12 months, each associated with various religious festivals and civic activities. The months were:

     1. Hekatombaion (Ἑκατομβαιών): July-August
     2. Metageitnion (Μεταγειτνιών): August-September
     3. Boedromion (Βοηδρομιών): September-October
     4. Pyanopsion (Πυανεψιών): October-November
     5. Maimakterion (Μαιμακτηριών): November-December
     6. Poseideon (Ποσειδεών): December-January
     7. Gamelion (Γαμηλιών): January-February
     8. Anthesterion (Ἀνθεστηριών): February-March
     9. Elaphebolion (Ἑλαφηβολιών): March-April
     10. Mounichion (Μουνυχιών): April-May
     11. Thargelion (Θαργηλιών): May-June
     12. Skirophorion (Σκιροφοριών): June-July

   • When an intercalary month was needed, an extra month, called Poseideon II, was inserted between Poseideon and Gamelion.

3. Days of the Month:

   • Each month had 29 or 30 days, alternating to match the lunar cycle. The days were numbered based on their position relative to the phases of the moon, rather than in a linear sequence.
   • The months were divided into three periods:
     • Waxing Moon (ἱσταμένου μηνός): Days 1-10
     • Full Moon (μεσούντος μηνός): Days 11-20
     • Waning Moon (φθίνοντος μηνός): Days 21-29/30

Religious and Civic Festivals:

1. Hekatombaion:

   • Panathenaia: A major Athenian festival held in honor of Athena, the city’s patron goddess. It included athletic competitions, musical contests, and a grand procession to the Acropolis.

2. Boedromion:

   • Great Eleusinia: Celebrated the Eleusinian Mysteries, sacred rites held in honor of Demeter and Persephone, involving initiation ceremonies for the participants.
   • Boedromia: A festival honoring Apollo as a helper in times of distress.

3. Pyanopsion:

   • Pyanopsia: A harvest festival dedicated to Apollo, involving offerings of beans and other agricultural products.
   • Theseia: A festival honoring the hero Theseus, celebrated with sacrifices and athletic contests.

4. Anthesterion:

   • Anthesteria: A three-day festival dedicated to Dionysus, celebrating the opening of new wine and involving rituals, feasts, and processions.

5. Elaphebolion:

   • City Dionysia: One of the most important festivals, featuring dramatic competitions where tragedies and comedies were performed. This festival honored Dionysus, the god of wine and theater.

6. Thargelion:

   • Thargelia: A festival in honor of Apollo and Artemis, marking the beginning of the harvest season. It included purification rituals and offerings of first fruits.

Civic and Administrative Use:

1. Prytaneis and Boule:

   • The Attic calendar was used to organize the political activities of Athens. The year was divided into ten "prytanies," each lasting about 35-36 days, during which one of the ten tribes (phylai) of Athens held executive power.
   • The Boule (Council of 500) was responsible for managing daily affairs and preparing the agenda for the Ekklesia (Assembly). The calendar regulated the rotation of prytaneis and the scheduling of meetings.

2. Ekklesia:

   • The Ekklesia, the principal assembly of Athenian democracy, met regularly according to the calendar. These meetings were critical for decision-making on political, military, and civic matters.

3. Legal and Economic Activities:

   • The calendar also regulated legal proceedings, market days, and various economic activities. Specific days were designated for court sessions, public markets, and other civic functions.

Historical Context and Evolution:

1. Early Influences:

   • The Attic calendar likely evolved from earlier Greek and Near Eastern calendrical systems, adapting to the specific needs and religious practices of Athens.

2. Classical Period:

   • During the Classical period (5th-4th centuries BCE), the calendar became more formalized and integral to Athenian democracy. It helped coordinate the city’s complex array of festivals, political activities, and economic transactions.

3. Hellenistic Period and Beyond:

   • The Attic calendar continued to be used during the Hellenistic period and influenced other Greek calendars. Its structure and festivals left a lasting legacy on Greek culture and beyond.

Conclusion:

The Attic calendar was a sophisticated lunisolar system that played a central role in the religious, political, and social life of ancient Athens. With its intricate structure of months and days, it regulated everything from major festivals and political assemblies to legal and economic activities. The calendar not only ensured the smooth functioning of Athenian society but also reflected its cultural and religious values. Its influence extended beyond Athens, leaving a lasting legacy on the broader Greek world.

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