ASSYRIAN CALENDAR Meaning and
Definition
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The Assyrian calendar is a form of lunar-solar calendar that was used by the ancient Assyrian civilization, predominantly in the Mesopotamian region during the 2nd millennium BCE. This calendar system, also known as the Old Assyrian calendar, is one of the earliest known calendars devised by humankind.
The Assyrian calendar is marked by its reliance on both lunar and solar cycles. It consists of twelve lunar months, each beginning with the first sighting of the crescent moon after the new moon. However, since twelve lunar cycles fall short of the solar year, an intercalary or extra month was added periodically to ensure that the calendar remains in synchronization with the solar year.
The Assyrian calendar played a crucial role in the civil and religious life of the Assyrians. It served as a means to track time and regulate agricultural activities, such as the planting and harvesting of crops. Additionally, this calendar system formed the basis for determining various religious festivals and events. The Assyrians believed that aligning their religious practices with the natural rhythms of the celestial bodies would bring them blessings and favor from the gods.
Today, although the Assyrian calendar is no longer in common use, its influence is still seen in the calendars used by certain Eastern Christian denominations that trace their roots back to the historical Assyrian Church of the East. The Assyrian calendar stands as a testament to the ingenuity and mathematical knowledge of the ancient Assyrians, highlighting their contribution to the development of early calendrical systems.
Etymology of ASSYRIAN CALENDAR
The etymology of the word "Assyrian" refers to the historical region of Assyria, an ancient kingdom that existed in the northern part of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran). The term "Assyrian" comes from the city of Ashur, which was the capital of the Assyrian empire.
The Assyrian calendar, also known as the "Ancient Assyrian Calendar", is a lunisolar calendar that dates back to the Assyrian Empire. It is believed to be one of the oldest recorded calendars, with roots in ancient Mesopotamia.
The word "calendar" itself is derived from the Latin word "calendarium", which means "account book" or "register". The Latin term "calendarium" was used to refer to the document that recorded important dates, debts, and obligations. This eventually evolved into the meaning of a system used to organize time.
