The Fasti Capitolini

In establishing the dates of ancient events, much aid has been afforded by the discovery of monuments of great antiquity, bearing chronological inscriptions.

Among the most interesting remains of this kind are the Fasti Capitolini, discovered in the Forum at Rome in 1547, in 1817, and 1818.

These records are in fragments; but they contain a list of the Roman magistrates and triumphs, from the commencement of the Republic until the end of the reign of Augustus, A.D. 14, and corroborate important historical data.

"Fas," in Latin, signifies divine law, right, or justice. The sacred books in which the lawful days of the year were marked, were denominated Fasti.

The term "Fasti," in an extended sense, came to be used by the poets as synonymous with historical records.

The term "Capitoline" denotes their having been placed in the Capitol, where they may still be seen.