October (Roman month) October (Roman month) October (from Latin "octo", "eight") or mensis October was the eighth of ten months on the oldest Roman calendar. It had 31 days. October followed September (from "septem", "seven") and preceded November ("novem", "nine"). After the calendar reform that resulted in a 12-month year, October became the tenth month, but retained its numerical name, as did the other months from September through December. Some of the observances in October marked the close of the season for military campaigning and farming, which commenced in March ("Martius", "Mars' month"). October was under the guardianship "(tutela)" of Mars. The Romans
Iunius (month) dating and observances on the following table are from H.H. Scullard, "Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic". Scullard places the Taurian Games on June 25–26 on a five-year cycle, but other scholars believe these "ludi" had no regular date and were held as a crisis ritual when needed. After the Ides, dual dates are given to represent both the earlier calendar, when June had 29 days and July was called "Quinctilis", and the 30-day month of the Julian calendar. Iunius (month) On the ancient Roman calendar, mensis Iunius or Iunius, also Junius (June), was the fourth month, following "Maius"