Octaeteris

CycleEuropeanLunisolar
TypeCycle
TraditionEuropean
BasisLunisolar
Introduced / date6th century BCE
Key figure8 years equal 99 lunar months

About the Octaeteris

The earliest Greek intercalation rule inserted three leap months every eight years, since 99 lunar months nearly match eight solar years. Cleostratus of Tenedos is credited with introducing it, and many city states used it before the Metonic cycle. Traces survive in the eight year cycle of some ancient games and festivals.

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