How did the Roman perception and management of time shape the evolution of their religious practices over a millennium? Gary Forsythe, a scholar of Roman history, examines the intersection of chronological systems, ritual calendars, and the Roman state's religious identity. By analyzing primary historical texts and epigraphic evidence, the author argues that the Roman approach to time was not merely a tool for record-keeping but a fundamental component of their theological and political framework. The book traces the development of these temporal structures from the early Republic through the transition to the Imperial era.

Scholars in the field of classical studies recognize this work as a rigorous examination of the technical and social aspects of Roman religious chronology. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which serves as a specialized resource for those researching the intersection of Roman law, religion, and time-keeping.