New Year, Old Calendar: The Origins and Controversy of the Gregorian Calendar

The most commonly used civil calendar today is known as the Gregorian calendar, which is also called the Western calendar, or the Christian calendar. This calendar was named after Pope Gregory XIII, who introduced it in 1582. Today, the Gregorian calendar is part of our everyday lives, and most of us use it without really knowing its backstory, the reasons for its introduction, and the effects that it had on the world.

Introduction of the Julian Calendar

Prior to the introduction of the Gregorian calendar, the calendar that was used in Europe was the Julian calendar. This calendar was introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, and took effect in 45 BC. It became the predominant calendar in the territories controlled by the Romans.