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 scholarly exploration of ancient Roman religious practices and their corresponding calendar, written in the late 19th century. The book provides an analysis of Roman festivals throughout the year, emphasizing their significance in understanding the native Roman character and religion. It serves as a commentary on the official religious calendar of the Republic, dissecting various rites and ceremonies while also addressing historical ambiguities. At the start of the work, the author introduces his motivation for studying Roman religion, explaining his journey of discovery through various texts and how these studies shaped the book's structure. The beginning covers the Roman method of calculating the year, contrasting different systems used, and outlining the influence of both lunar and solar cycles on the Roman calendar. It also hints at the complexity of past rituals, noting the challenges scholars face while attempting to decipher the significance of the month names and associated ceremonies. Fowler's dedication to illuminating the intricate mesh of ritual activities inherent to Roman life sets the stage for a deeper exploration of each festival to come.