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Mar 15, 2023 · The Ides of March has a rich history of unfortunate events, both historical and weather-related. Before Julius Caesar proposed and implemented the modern-day Julian calendar in 45 BC, the Romans had a very different calendar that was in sync with the phases of the moon.
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- The Ides of March Meaning in Ancient Rome
- The Ides of March in Pop Culture
- HISTORY Vault: Rome: Rise and Fall of an Empire
From ancient Rome to its portrayal in popular culture, Shakespeare's famous phrase has long carried evolving symbolism and enduring significance.
You've probably heard the soothsayer’s warning to Julius Caesar in William Shakespeare's play of the same name: “Beware the Ides of March.” Not only did Shakespeare’s words stick, but they also branded the phrase—and the date, March 15—with a dark and gloomy connotation. It’s likely that many people who use the phrase today don’t know its true origin. In fact, just about every pop culture reference to the Ides—save for those appearing in actual history-based books, movies or television specials—makes it seem like the day itself is cursed.
The Ides of March actually has a non-threatening history. Kalends, Nones and Ides were ancient markers used to reference dates in relation to lunar phases. Ides simply referred to the first full moon of a given month, which usually fell between the 13th and 15th. In fact, the Ides of March once signified the new year, which meant celebrations and rejoicing.
Yet when heroes in movies, books and television shows are faced with the Ides of March, it’s always a bad omen. Several television shows have had episodes named “The Ides of March.” And it’s never good news.
In 1995 alone, the Ides-related episode of “Party of Five” was based around a cocaine-related death and featured a near-incident involving drunk driving; “Xena: Warrior Princess” had its protagonist facing threats from an ominous vision that showed her and her travel partner, Gabrielle, put to death by crucifixion; and Homer Simpson’s rise to power within the ancient secret society known as the Stonecutters in The Simpsons episode “Homer the Great” leads to his self-proclamation as a God. In warning him of his inevitable downfall, Lisa plays the part of the soothsayer, quoting “Beware the Ides of March.” Homer simply says “No,” and laughs it off (much like Caesar did in the play) but, like Caesar, he soon experiences a swift undoing.
In 2011, Columbia Pictures released The Ides of March, a movie about an idealistic campaign staffer (Ryan Gosling) who gets a harsh lesson in dirty politics while working for an up-and-coming presidential candidate (George Clooney). The movie involves quite a bit of figurative backstabbing, but it’s a pretty clear allegory for the death of Caesar. Again, death and destruction loom.
Did the death of Caesar curse the day, or was it just Shakespeare’s mastery of language that forever darkened an otherwise normal box on the calendar? If you look through history, you can certainly find enough horrible things that happened on March 15, but is it a case of life imitating art? Or art imitating life?
Perhaps it was Julius Caesar himself (and not the famous playwright) who caused all the drama. After all, he’s the one who uprooted Rome’s New Year celebration from their traditional March 15 date to January…just two years before he was betrayed and butchered by members of the Roman senate.
Jan 18, 2024 · Beware the Ides of March! William Shakespeare created mystique around the Ides of March with his late 16th-century classic, Julius Caesar. But where did the term originate? Why is it a symbol for bad luck? Learn more about the Ides of March’s history, its ties to Shakespeare, and what notable events have occurred on that date over time.
- Tim Goodwin
March 15, the Ides of March, has become synonymous with betrayal, lost loyalty and unwelcome surprises. But should this day still make us wary?
Mar 13, 2024 · What Does 'Ides of March' Mean? Why Do People Say 'Beware the Ides of March'? What Is the Spiritual Meaning of the Ides of March? Why Was Julius Caesar Warned of the Ides of March?
Mar 15, 2019 · CNN — Every month has an ides, but only March is known for it. Here’s the history of March 15 and why you might feel a little spooked on this day. What is an ides? Ides simply refers to...
Jan 29, 2024 · “Beware the Ides of March!” It’s a phrase embedded into our culture more deeply than “Remember the Alamo!” But what does it mean? Should we be wary of the “Ides,” whatever they are? We explain.
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