Fasti

A collection of poetic works likely written during the early 1st century AD. The poem is structured around the Roman calendar, exploring the significance of festivals, historical events, and religious observances tied to specific dates throughout the year. The opening of ''Fasti'' introduces the themes of time and the changing seasons, as Ovid invokes Janus, the two-faced god, who oversees beginnings and transitions. He outlines the purpose of the poem, promising to celebrate the Roman festivals and rituals that mark significant moments in the year. Ovid also comments on the origins of the Roman calendar, attributing its initial structure to Romulus and later modifications to Numa, emphasizing the blend of Roman and divine influences in the establishment of timekeeping. The narrative sets the stage for a detailed exploration of both the agricultural calendar and the social customs intertwined with Roman religious practices.