The 6th century Greek writer, John the Lydian, composed a work in 4 books on the Roman months (De mensibus). The work is full of antiquarian information, which makes it a fascinating source for Roman time. Book 4 consists of 12 chapters, one for each month.
In a very timely way, Mischa Hooker has now translated the chapter on May for us all. Here it is:
- JohnLydus-4-05-May (docx)
- JohnLydus-4-05-May (PDF)
As ever, this is public domain: do whatever you like with it, personal, educational or commercial.
I’m hoping that there will be more of the months to come!
Gaseous circulation in the arteries? I guess John didn’t have available Galen’s criticism of Erasistratus, “An in arteriis natura sanguis contineatur”.
Typos, courtesy of Bill Thayer:
1. They Brytae -> The Brytae
2. a period missing just before the call to note 15
3. p131 not marked: I put it immediately after “but white”