Ante Diem!

[Spedius]

Ave

The third of the dating methods for diplomas are the day/month date represented by A D VI Idus Sept. This can be expanded as A(nte) D(iem) VI Idus Sept(embres) or 8 September.

There were three main monthly divisions used by the Romans, k(alendae), Non(ae) and Ides. Kalendae was always the first of the month, Nonae could be either the 5th or 7th likewise the Ides could be either the 13th or the 15th. The dates that the Nonae and Ides fell were depended on which month was being refered to. These were all lunar phases and were sacred to the Romans.

A simple chart will surfice to explain it far better than words, see below.

If we look at our example above, VI Idus Sept, the Idus for Sepembre fell on the 13th. We have to take 6 away from 13 to arrive at 8 b(oth) d(ates) i(nclusive). I've found the easiest way to do it is by using my fingers. You quite simply start at 13 and count backwards until you arrive at 8.

The other two methods are as follows:

http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=6732
http://www.romanarmy.com/rat/viewtopic.php?t=6767

Please click on the image to enlarge it.

Vale

M. Spedius Corbulo

[Spedius]

Ave

So that you may test out my finger method here are some examples for you to practice your new skill on. See if you can work out the dates of the following:-

01. CIL XVI, 00048 = AD XIII k Febr =
02. CIL XVI, 00069 = AD XVI k Aug =
03. CIL XVI, 00070 = AD XVI k Oct =
04. CIL XVI, 00088 = AD XVII k Oct =
05. AE 1997, 01779 = AD XIII k Sept =
06. CIL XVI, 00082 = AD XVIII k Mai =
07. AE 1997, 01001 = AD III k Mar =
08. RMD-03, 00184 = AD X k April =

These are all diplomas issued for the province of Britannia from 103 to 178 AD.

Vale

M. Spedius Corbulo