What is the Ides of March and why should you beware it?

The Ides of March was the name in the Roman calendar for 15th March, the midpoint of the month, which was marked by various religious observances.

It didn’t have any particularly sinister connotations until 44BC when Roman Emperor Julius Caesar was stabbed to death – 23 times, just to be sure – on that very day by a group of senators led by Brutus/Bruté.

This is what it looked like according to Italian master Vincenzo Camuccini…

Caesar was stabbed to death by Brutus on March 15, 44 BC. 'The Death of Caesar' by Vincenzo Camuccini. #IdesOfMarch pic.twitter.com/5Ch4rgQT9o

— Today Is Art Day (@todayisartday) March 15, 2016

This is what it looked like according to Carry On…

Yes, that’s where “Infamy Infamy! They’ve all got it in for me!” comes from.

Here’s one you can recreate at home without quite so much mess…

You can't be too careful today. #IdesOfMarch pic.twitter.com/rLGjWejEX2

— Mary Strand (@Mary_Strand) March 15, 2016

And this is where it happened

This is Torre Argentina in Rome, the spot near where Julius Caesar was stabbed #onthisday in 44 BC.#IdesOfMarch pic.twitter.com/rYX4bNGAm9

— Following Hadrian (@carolemadge) March 15, 2016

The Ides of March was made even more notorious by Shakespeare’s account of the murder in his 1601 play Julius Caesar, in which a soothsayer famously warns the Emperor…

“Beware the Ides of March”

If only Caesar had Siri#IdesofMarch pic.twitter.com/t6QEWRAMDL

— Samuel French UK (@SamuelFrenchLtd) March 15, 2016

So it’s kind of like an upmarket Friday the 13th.

Caesar’s dying response to his traitorous friend in the play was “Et Tu Bruté?” or “You too, Brutus?” or…

Et Tu Brew Tea? #IdesOfMarch

What #tea are you drinking? pic.twitter.com/SeJ6hRAAL4

— Capital Teas (@CapitalTeas) March 15, 2016

Or…

Keep an eye on those dozens today #IdesofMarch pic.twitter.com/yJggoHb9kT

— krispykreme (@krispykreme) March 15, 2016

Now have a good Ides – but watch your back…