Time calendar
The Babylonians and Assyrians adopted the lunar-solar calendar, which consisted of twelve months, each month consisting of thirty days, and the year beginning from the month of Nisan.
Since the twelve-month cycle consists of 360 days, it was decided to add a leap month at regular intervals that fall either in the middle of the year or at the end of the year. This leap month is called the name of the month before it, such as the second September or the second March. The reason for this is that bad weather may prevent the correct observation of the crescent moon. The new month, and as a result, the announcement may be delayed by a day or two
The king was the one who announced the crescent of the new month based on the reports of astronomers that included their observations. The report says, for example: (I made the observation on the twenty-ninth day) and concludes with the phrase (We saw the moon, or we did not see the moon).
There is a more detailed message that says: (I saw the moon on the thirtieth day. It is at the present time at an appropriate height for the second day of the month, and thus the king can confirm the first day of the month.)
From a practical standpoint, this evaluation was successful and proved free of defects.
_______________________
Source: Daily life in Babylon and Assyria - George Contino
The Babylonians and Assyrians adopted the lunar-solar calendar, which consisted of twelve months, each month consisting of thirty days, and the year beginning from the month of Nisan.
Since the twelve-month cycle consists of 360 days, it was decided to add a leap month at regular intervals that fall either in the middle of the year or at the end of the year. This leap month is called the name of the month before it, such as the second September or the second March. The reason for this is that bad weather may prevent the correct observation of the crescent moon. The new month, and as a result, the announcement may be delayed by a day or two
The king was the one who announced the crescent of the new month based on the reports of astronomers that included their observations. The report says, for example: (I made the observation on the twenty-ninth day) and concludes with the phrase (We saw the moon, or we did not see the moon).
There is a more detailed message that says: (I saw the moon on the thirtieth day. It is at the present time at an appropriate height for the second day of the month, and thus the king can confirm the first day of the month.)
From a practical standpoint, this evaluation was successful and proved free of defects.
_______________________
Source: Daily life in Babylon and Assyria - George Contino