Podcast Summary: The History of English Podcast – Episode 18: Keeping Time With The Romans

Introduction

In Episode 18 of The History of English Podcast, titled "Keeping Time With The Romans," host Kevin Stroud delves into the intricate history of timekeeping and its profound influence on the English language. Released on January 2, 2013, this episode explores how Roman concepts of time not only shaped the calendar but also left a lasting legacy on modern English through various time-related terms.

Julius Caesar and Roman Influence on English

Kevin Stroud begins by discussing Julius Caesar's significant impact on the English language. Although many associate Caesar with the Caesarean section, Stroud clarifies the myth surrounding its origin:

"Julius Caesar was not actually born via Caesarean section. It was likely his relative who bore the procedure, leading to the confusion." [05:30]

Stroud emphasizes the evolution of Latin pronunciation, noting:

"The modern English pronunciation of Julius Caesar differs markedly from Classical Latin, where 'J' wasn’t a distinct sound." [08:15]

He further explains how Latin's influence extended beyond pronunciation to the very structure of English, particularly through the Norman conquest which introduced Old French elements into English.

The Roman Calendar and Timekeeping

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the Roman calendar's evolution. Stroud recounts the challenges ancient societies faced in aligning lunar months with solar years:

"The Romans initially used a 10-month lunar calendar, which led to discrepancies with the seasons." [25:10]

He details Julius Caesar’s collaboration with the Greek astronomer Sosigenes, which culminated in the creation of the Julian calendar in 45 B.C.:

"The Julian calendar abandoned purely lunar months, opting for a solar-based system of 365 days with a leap year every four years to maintain alignment with the seasons." [35:45]

Stroud highlights the lasting impact of these reforms, noting that the Julian calendar is the direct ancestor of the Gregorian calendar we use today.

Etymology of Time-Related Terms

Kevin Stroud meticulously traces the origins of several English words related to time, illustrating the blend of Latin and Germanic roots in modern English.

1. Day:

   • Stroud explains that the English word "day" originates from Old English "dea," unrelated to Latin "dies," despite superficial similarities.
   • Notable terms like "diary" and "adjourn" stem from Latin "dies."

2. Month and Moon:

   • Both "month" and "moon" derive from the Indo-European root "mensis."
   • Latin contributions include "mensurate" and "lunar," which trace back to "mensis" and "luna."

3. Year:

   • The English "year" shares a root with the Latin "annus," although they evolved separately.
   • Words like "annual" and "anniversary" are direct descendants of "annus."

"Words like 'dial' and 'diet' encapsulate the transition from Latin to Old French and into modern English." [50:20]

Days of the Week

Stroud explores the nomenclature of the seven days of the week, revealing a fascinating interplay between Roman and Germanic traditions.

1. Sunday and Monday:

   • Derived directly from the Latin "Sol" (Sun) and "Luna" (Moon), adapted into Germanic languages as "Sunday" and "Monday."

2. Tuesday to Friday:

   • Each day is named after Germanic gods, aligning with Roman counterparts:
     • Tuesday – Tyr (Mars)
     • Wednesday – Woden (Mercury)
     • Thursday – Thor (Jupiter)
     • Friday – Frigga or Freya (Venus)

"Saturday stands out as it retains the Roman god Saturn, as the Germanic tribes lacked an equivalent deity." [1:15:40]

3. Saturday:
   • Unlike the other days, "Saturday" maintains its Roman origin without a Germanic substitution.

Stroud underscores how these names were solidified before the Anglo-Saxon migration to Britain, embedding them deeply into the fabric of English.

The Evolution of the Roman Calendar

The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the Roman calendar's transformation:

1. Original 10-Month Calendar:

   • Began in March, aligning with the spring equinox.
   • Months like September, October, November, and December were aptly named based on their numerical order (7th to 10th).

2. Introduction of Januarius and Februarius:

   • To account for the winter period, two additional months were added:
     • January – Named after Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions.
     • February – Named after Februa, a festival of purification.

3. Julian Reforms:

   • Caesar’s introduction of the Julian calendar standardized the year to 365 days, with a leap day added every four years to reconcile the solar year.
   • Renaming of Quintilis and Sextilis to July and August in honor of Julius and Augustus Caesar.

"The Julian calendar was a monumental shift, detaching from purely lunar measurements and setting the stage for our modern understanding of time." [1:10:00]

Stroud also touches upon the later modifications by Pope Gregory XIII, which led to the Gregorian calendar currently in use.

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

Wrapping up, Kevin Stroud reflects on how the Roman approach to timekeeping has seamlessly woven itself into the English language, demonstrating the enduring legacy of Roman culture.

"Understanding these time-related terms gives us a window into how deeply intertwined our language is with ancient Rome." [1:25:50]

He teases the next episode, which will delve into the Roman Empire's expansion into Britain and interactions with Celtic and Germanic tribes, setting the stage for the eventual emergence of Old English.

"Next time, we'll explore the Roman invasion of Britain and the cultural exchanges that shaped the English language as we know it." [1:26:30]

Key Takeaways

• Julius Caesar's Reforms: Central to the adoption of the Julian calendar, which redefined timekeeping.
• Etymology Insights: Many English time-related words have Latin and Germanic roots, reflecting a blend of influences.
• Calendar Evolution: Transition from a 10-month lunar calendar to the solar-based Julian calendar illustrates the complexity of ancient timekeeping.
• Days of the Week: A mix of Roman deities and Germanic gods names the modern week, showcasing cultural syncretism.

Notable Quotes

1. "The modern English pronunciation of Julius Caesar differs markedly from Classical Latin, where 'J' wasn’t a distinct sound." [08:15]
2. "Words like 'dial' and 'diet' encapsulate the transition from Latin to Old French and into modern English." [50:20]
3. "Understanding these time-related terms gives us a window into how deeply intertwined our language is with ancient Rome." [1:25:50]

Final Thoughts

Episode 18 of The History of English Podcast offers an enlightening exploration of how ancient Roman timekeeping conventions have indelibly shaped the English language. Through meticulous etymological tracing and historical context, Kevin Stroud provides listeners with a deeper appreciation of the words and concepts that structure our understanding of time today.

For those interested in the evolution of English and its roots in historical frameworks, this episode is a treasure trove of information and insight.