Cosmogonic Myths and Theoretical Science
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  1. Chinese Calendar
  2. Aztec Calendar
  3. Babylonian Calendar
  4. Calendars of Egypt and India
  5. Lunar Calendar
  6. Norse Calendar Days
  7. Megalithic Indicators

Babylonian Calendar

cuneiform Anu

The Calendar

The Babylonians observed a 12 month solar year, and a twenty four-hour day made up of twelve two-hour segments. The New Year began in the month of Akitu in the Spring with the public reading of Enuma Elish. The New Year was marked by a festival of approximately twelve days, which included the ritual sacrifice of a sheep whose head was then removed to the wilderness presumably to cleanse the community of elemental chaos.

Naming of the Year - Puru

The ruler of Assyria cast lots for the adding of his name to the calendar year. This practice is recounted in the Book of Esther, where the King's minister, Haman, presides over the casting of lots in the first month (Hebrew - Nisan) to fix the day for the slaughter of the Jews which will be ordered by the King. The command of King Ahasueris is announced on the thirteenth day of the first month that the Jews be exterminated in one day - the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (Hebrew-Adar). Haman's wicked scheme is thwarted by the Queen, Esther, who saves her people from extinction.

To view the Pur of Yahali in the 9th Century B.C.E. click here Puru of Yahali Babylonian Collection, Sterling Memorial Library, Yale University, or here Puru of Yahali