nonae januariae

• ludi compitales — day three of a moveable festival which might occur anytime between Saturnalia and January 5. It was largely a rural occasion involving woollen dolls being made to represent each free member of the household (simple woollen balls would be used to represent slaves) being hung up on the eve of the festival, presumably as offerings to the Lares. There would also follow more formal sacrifices at the compita (places where two farm paths crossed).
• 1906 — birth of Kathleen Kenyon (excavatrix of Jericho)

ante diem iii nonas januarias

• ludi compitales (day 1) — really a moveable festival which might occur anytime between Saturnalia and January 5. It was largely a rural occasion involving woollen dolls being made to represent each free member of the household (simple woollen balls would be used to represent slaves) being hung up on the eve of the festival, presumably as offerings to the Lares. There would also follow more formal sacrifices at the compita (places where two farm paths crossed).
• 106 B.C. — birth of Marcus Tullius Cicero at Arpinum
• 1943 — death of F.M. Cornford (translator and commentator of Plato, among other things … quote: “Every action which is not customary either is wrong, or if it is right, is a dangerous precedent. It follows that nothing should ever be done for the first time.”)

ante diem xvi kalendas januarias

• Saturnalia (day 1) — major, popular festival in honour of Saturn with banquets, the wearing of soft caps (pilei), and general good cheer. Shops and schools were closed, gambling was legally permitted, gifts were exchanged and masters might even wait on their servants. Obviously this festival is often seen as a precursor to our modern-day Christmas celebrations …
• 246 B.C.E. — the Torah is translated into Greek (obviously not in one day)