The Roman Festivals of the Period of the Republic An Introduction to the Study of the Religion of the Romans

"The Roman Festivals of the Period of the Republic" by W. Warde Fowler is a detailed look into the world of ancient Roman religious celebrations and the calendar they followed. Written with a scholarly approach, the book explores the festivals that occurred throughout the year, highlighting their deep connection to the identity and religious beliefs of the Roman people. The book examines the official religious calendar of the Roman Republic, carefully breaking down the different rituals and ceremonies, while also acknowledging uncertainties in historical records. The author explains his reasons for studying Roman religion, walking through the texts that guided his research and influenced the book's organization. The beginning chapters focus on the Roman way of calculating years, comparing different methods they used, and showing how lunar and solar cycles shaped their calendar. It also addresses the challenges of understanding ancient rituals, pointing out issues scholars encounter when trying to figure out the meanings of month names and related ceremonies. Fowler is determined to shed light on the intricate network of religious events that were a key part of Roman life, creating a foundation for deeper study of each upcoming festival.