The Roman Workweek and Leisure Time

The Roman week was composed of nine days. For eight of the days people had to work but on the last day called nundinae. The eight days were referred to as internundinum. The ninth day was for resting much as it is today in European countries. Only stallholders and people occupied by commerce had to work for those days. If you have been to a market you will see that they work hard but they are still in a good mood.

A day was measured by twelve hours. The first six were called ante-meridiem (we still use the a.m. abbreviation), the afternoon was called post meridiem (p.m.).