THURSDAY (<i>DIES IOVIS</i>) IN THE LATER ROMAN EMPIRE
Ilaria Bultrighini
This paper discusses two scanty but complex groups of sources which seem to suggest that Thursday ( dies Iovis , is, Jupiter's Day in the Roman planetary seven-day week) was a day rest honour Jupiter during later imperial period: number ecclesiastical texts from late antique Gaul and Galicia, three documentary papyri Oxyrhynchus. The former imply an unofficial observance Day, as opposed Christian Lord's (Sunday), persisted among populace despite Church opposition such deviant behaviour. latter hint at being non-working for official bureaux third early fourth centuries, before formalization Sunday by Constantine 321. concludes with reflections on idea period — use week became increasingly popular most important sacred reason dedicated chief god pantheon and, same time, associated astrologically favourable planet had been named after Jupiter. If ever recurring hebdomadal basis Empire, it presumably Judaeo-Christian tradition Sabbath provided pagans notion weekly feast day.
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