Ides of March

March 07, 2013

Arguably, the Ides of March is known most for its mention in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. Some people are even able to recall the exact date by heart, March 15th. However, knowing the actual significance of the term is a different matter entirely. So, what is the Ides of March?

In early days, the term was simply an acknowledgment of the fact that it was the middle of the month. The term "ides" could be applied to any month, normally denoting a full moon. It wasn’t until the death of Julius Caesar that the Ides of March gained particular notoriety. The murder of Julius Caesar, in addition to existing mythology, combined to create a sense of suspicion about March 15th comparable to Friday the 13th. This was further exacerbated by Shakespeare’s play using the time as an ill omen and foreshadowing the brutal murder of the historical figure.

Heather G.
Oak Grove Branch