Hecatombaeon

/ˌhɛkətɒmˈbeɪən/ noun

Definition

A month in the ancient Athenian calendar, probably corresponding roughly to July-August, or the festival celebrated during this month.

Etymology

From Greek 'hecatombaion,' the name of a calendar month derived from 'hecatomb' (hundred oxen sacrifice). The month was named for the major festival and sacrifices celebrated during this period in ancient Athens.

Kelly Says

Ancient Greeks named their months after festivals and sacrifices, not numbers. Imagine if January was called 'Christmasmonth' and February 'Valentinesmonth'—it would reveal exactly what each culture valued. The Athenians valued hundred-ox sacrifices a lot.

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