Core Skills Analysis
History
Cian examined how Emperor Augustus altered the Roman calendar by naming a month after himself and moving a day from February to August so that both months matched the length of July, which honored Julius Caesar. He also learned that in AD 525 the monk Dionysus Exiguus was commissioned to standardise the calendar to fix the date of Easter. By comparing these two reforms, Cian recognised that political power drove Augustus’s changes while religious needs motivated Dionysus Exiguus’s adjustments, demonstrating how calendar modifications reflect broader societal forces across centuries.
Tips
To deepen Cian’s understanding, explore a timeline activity that plots major calendar reforms from ancient Rome to the modern Gregorian calendar, highlighting the motivations behind each change. Invite Cian to create a short presentation or video explaining how the naming of months can reveal political propaganda, using visual aids such as maps or infographics. Organise a role‑play debate where Cian argues as Augustus versus Dionysus Exiguus, defending their respective reforms to a modern audience. Finally, connect the study to current issues by researching how contemporary governments consider calendar changes for economic or cultural reasons, then write a reflective journal entry.
Book Recommendations
- The Roman Calendar by John H. Humphrey: A concise history of how the Roman calendar evolved, including Augustus’s reforms and the transition to the Julian system.
- Dionysius Exiguus and the Easter Table by Catherine E. Schmid: Explores the life of Dionysius Exiguus and his role in standardising the Christian calendar for Easter calculations.
- A World History of Calendars by Michele M. Allen: Shows how different cultures have shaped timekeeping, offering context for political and religious influences on calendar design.
Learning Standards
- ACHASSK099: Understand the influence of the Roman Empire on Australian and global societies, including its calendar reforms.
- ACHASSK103: Analyse how calendar systems have been developed and changed over time for political, economic, and religious purposes.
- ACHASSK104: Investigate the ways in which individuals and groups shape historical change, using evidence to support interpretations.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Compare and contrast a Venn diagram of Augustus’s and Dionysius Exiguus’s calendar reforms, focusing on motivations, methods, and impacts.
- Quiz: Create 5 multiple‑choice questions about key dates, names, and reasons for the calendar changes discussed.
- Drawing task: Design a new month name and length that reflects a modern cause or figure, explaining the political or cultural reasoning behind the choice.
- Writing prompt: Write a diary entry from the perspective of a Roman citizen in AD 525 reacting to the new Easter calendar.