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Greek 202 / 302
Aristophanes

The Athenian Calendar


The Athenian year has twelve lunar months (alternating 29 and 30 days)
giving a total of 354 days (12 x 29.5).

It begins on the first new moon after the summer solstice (21st June).

Three times during an eight year-period, a second Poseideon is inserted into the calendar.
(365.25 days - 354 days = 11.25 days x 8 years = 90 days = 3 extra months)
 

Hekatombaion
July
28 Panathenaic Festival
Metageitnion
August

Boedromion
September
15 Eleusinian Mysteries
Pyanepsion
October
11 Thesmophoria (women)
Maimakterion
November

Poseideon
December
Country Dionysia (plays)
Gamelion
January
12 Lenaia (plays)
Anthesterion
February
11 Anthesteria (new wine)
Elaphebolion
March
10 City Dionysia (plays)
Mounychion
April

Thargelion
May

Skirophorion
June
12 Skira (women)