The Ides of March and Roman Deities
The Ides of March is the day on the Roman calendar marked as the Ides, roughly the midpoint of a month, of Martius, corresponding to 15 March on the Gregorian calendar. It was marked by several major religious observances.
The month of Martius was named after the Roman god Mars, and his “birthday” was celebrated on the 1st of March. However, it is interesting to note that the Ides of each month, including Martius, were considered sacred to Jupiter, the supreme deity in Roman mythology. This association adds a layer of religious significance to the already notable date of the Ides of March.
Ancient Rome in Modern Rome (Archives 2004 Rebecca Budd)
The Ides of March and Julius Caesar.
Beware the Ides of March.
(Soothsayer, Julius Caesar, Act 1 Scene 2)
In 44 BC, the Ides of March became notorious as the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar
On March 15th, 44 BC, Julius Caesar, the renowned Roman general and statesman, was assassinated. This fateful event marked a significant turning point in Roman history.
Et tu, Brute?—Then fall, Caesar.
(Caesar, Julius Ceasar, Act 3, Scene 1)
Ancient Rome in Modern Rome (Archives 2004 Rebecca Budd)
The immortalization of Julius Caesar and the Ides of March in literature and popular culture can be attributed to the renowned playwright William Shakespeare. In his play “Julius Caesar,” Shakespeare depicted the events surrounding Caesar’s assassination on the Ides of March, contributing to the enduring fascination with this historical moment.
Cowards die many times before their deaths,
The valiant never taste of death but once.
(Caesar, Julie Ceasar, Act 2 Scene 2)
Rimini, Italy Piazza Tre Martiri, statua di cesare (Archives 2004 Rebecca Budd)
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