Roman Calendar: Kalendae, Nonae, Idus
Roman Dates
A date is a marker day, or a count back from the next marker.
How It Works
| Marker | Most months | March, May, July, October |
|---|---|---|
| Kalendae | the 1st | the 1st |
| Nonae | the 5th | the 7th |
| Idus | the 13th | the 15th |
The English word calendar comes from Kalendae.
On a marker day, use the ablative plural: Idibus Martiis (on the Ides of March). For the day before, use pridie and the accusative: pridie Idus Martias (14 March).
Earlier days use ante diem and a number: ante diem tertium Idus Martias is 13 March, and it is written a.d. III Id. Mart. The month is an adjective that agrees with the marker.
Examples (5)
- Kalendis Ianuariis annus novus incipit.
On the Kalends of January the new year begins.
Kalendis Ianuariis is the ablative plural, for the marker day itself.
- Idibus Martiis Marcus Romam venit.
On the Ides of March Marcus came to Rome.
Idibus Martiis is 15 March.
- Pridie Kalendas Ianuarias Cornelia convivium parat.
On 31 December Cornelia is getting a party ready.
Pridie takes the accusative plural: the day before the Kalends of January.
- Ante diem tertium Idus Martias Livia nata est.
Livia was born on 13 March.
The Ides count as day one, 14 March as day two, and 13 March as day three.
- Natalis Domini est ante diem octavum Kalendas Ianuarias.
Christmas is on 25 December.
Count back from 1 January: pridie is 31 December, and the eighth day is 25 December.
Common Mistakes
Using the ablative after ante diem.
Ante diem tertium Idibus Martiis.Ante diem tertium Idus Martias.After ante diem, the marker stands in the accusative plural. The ablative Idibus is only for the marker day itself.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Roman dates count days from fixed points, so days and months come first.
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice Roman Calendar: Kalendae, Nonae, Idus in Bubblegum
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