46 bce
Astronomy
Acting on the advice of Greek astronomer Sosigenes [b. c. 90 bce], the Julian calendar of three 365-day years followed by one of 366 days is introduced in Rome by Julius Caesar. As a result of changes to make the seasons correct, the year 46 bce has 445 days, making it the longest year on record. The first leap years, due to an error of interpretation, will be three years apart, occurring in 45 bce, 42 bce, etc. until 9 bce, by which time the year will again be off the seasons (by 13 days). Leap years will be abandoned for 16 years (reducing the error to 9 days) and then reinstituted by Augustus in 8 ce. After that the four-year rule will be followed. See also 432 bce Astronomy; 123 ce Astronomy.






