First of all, for context you should probably know what the Ides of March even is, by definition the Ides of March is the middle of the month making the Ides of March, March 15th (which happens to be today). With all that established, this day is now known as the day Julius Caesar, a Roman politician was killed in 44 BC. The reason this death is so well known today is because of the rise and fall of Julius Caesar.

Caesar initially was born into a patrician family and later in 60 BC. started his own political campaign. He, in the same year achieved consulship and also developed the First Triumvirate. They held power up until the 50s BC., until a rivalry began to form against himself and Pompey as they went to war in 49 BC.

Once in power Julius Caesar made many reforms to laws, and included his own, as well as changing the calendar to match the one we have today by adopting the Egyptian calendar. After all his reforms for Rome he was appointed to Dictator for life and a month later the Senate members who were appointed by Caesar conspired to assassinate him. At the Senate Chambers he was ambushed by his colleagues and stabbed 23 times. Among those who stabbed him to death was Marcus Brutus, a close friend of Caesar. It is believed that Julius Caesar’s last words were “You too, child?” towards Brutus because he wassurprised by his betrayal.

The reason the words “Ides of March” are even prevalent in today’s society is because of the Shakespearean play Julius Caesar. One of the most iconic phrases in this play is “Beware the Ides of March” which was said by a soothsayer to Caesar who was walking to the Senate Chambers unknowingly walking towards his demise.  

So on this day, March 15th, let us remember Julius Caesar a man who lead the Roman Republic through prosperity and peace. A man who was betrayed by his own people, and his own friends. From his death take away some valuable lessons, beware the Ides of March and be cautious of who you trust because that person may not be who they seem *cough* Brutus *cough*.