'Tis the "Ides of March..."

I've often wondered what historical event surrounded the "Ides of March." So, I did a little research. "Ides" is Latin and it means 1/2 division of a month. "Ides" was the 15th day of the months of March, May, July, and October in ancient Rome and signified the day of the full moon. It was the 13th day of all other months. In March, on the 15th, there was a festive day set aside dedicated to the God Mars. Military parades were held on that day.

Julius Caesar was not a popular ruler because he took on the role of Dictator, which the people abhored. And so, there was a conspiracy to take his life. That was portrayed in Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar." It was on the 15th day of March, when Marcus Brutus uttered the line, "Beware the Ides of March!." And so, Julius Caesar lost his life and his throne. His son, Octavian became the next Roman leader and the first Emperor of Rome. He took on the name of Caesar Augustus!



Romulus was the mythical founder of Rome and used the earliest Roman Calendar. All months were organized around three (3) days: Kalends, which is the 1st day of the month; Nones, which is the 7th day of March, May, July and October and the 5th day of all others; and Ides, which is the 15th day of March, May, July and October and the 13th day of all others. The word "Calendar" comes from the word Kalends. Some other interesting words coming from that root are Kalendrium, which is an account book, and Kanend, which being the first day of the month is when all bills were due.

There you have it! Your trivia for the day!