Today is August 1. Originally in the Roman calendar this month was named Sextillis, but after having granted a month named for Julius Caesar in 45BC, the Roman Senate gave another to Augustus, who returned to Rome after conquering Egypt in Sextillis, 30BC, and ascended to the emperor’s throne in 27BC. Additionally, since Julius had been given a 31-day month, it was decided that Augustus should have the same, so the days of the months in the calendar, originally alternating between 30 and 31 days, were shifted around and February was robbed of a day. September through December then were swapped their respective lengths in order not to have three 31-day months in a row.