The historical date of March 15 has come to be associated with betrayal and political upheaval. Albeit the day might appear to be mediocre today, it holds critical significance in old Roman history.
Originally, the Roman god Mars was honored on the Ides of March. In the Roman calendar, it was celebrated on March 15 and was a time of celebration and feasting. However, the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC made the Ides of March infamous.
On the eve of March, a group of senators who were opposed to Julius Caesar’s growing power and influence carried out the assassination of one of the most powerful men in Rome. The assassination marked the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire, making it a significant event in Roman history.
The play Julius Caesar, in which a soothsayer warns Caesar of imminent danger, is the source of the expression “Beware the Ides of March.” Since then, the expression, which is used to warn of imminent danger or betrayal, has become a well-known saying.
The Ides of March, despite its historical significance, is not widely observed.
However, some organizations and groups that research the history and culture of the ancient Romans continue to acknowledge it. On the Ides of March, numerous museums and historical sites host special exhibits and events to mark the occasion.
