Beware the Ides of March!

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:43 am

Hmm when exactly is the ides of March?

lady cop · Post by **lady cop** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:51 am

Beware the Ides of March

If you've heard the warning, "Beware the Ides of March," then it's probably due to the works of William Shakespeare. The Roman ruler, Julius Caesar, was assassinated on the Ides of March - March 15, 44 B.C.E. In Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar, an unknown soothsayer tells Caesar, who is already on his way to the Senate (and his death), "Beware the ides of March." Caesar replies, "He is a dreamer; let us leave him. Pass."

Lil~Basco · Post by **Lil~Basco** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:52 am

In the ancient Roman calendar, each of the 12 months of the year had an "ides." In March, May, July and October, the "ides" fell on the 15th day. In every other month, the "ides" fell on the 13th. The word "ides" was derived from the Latin "to divide." The "ides" were originally meant to mark the full moon - but since the solar calendar months and lunar months were of different lengths, the "ides" quickly lost their original intent and purpose.

So an alternative (albeit somewhat dubious) theory, as to why Caesar might have "seemingly" ignored the ominous warning of Spurinna, is that perhaps Julius Caesar got the dates of the warning mixed up. He may have been thinking that the Ides of March fell on the 13th.

Using this theory, forgetful Caesar would have been very careful and stayed home on the 13th of March, but on the 15th of March his guard was down.

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 8:53 am

Ohhh thanks LC and Lil , only Shakespeare I recall is Macbeth.

Out dam spot!!

sunny104 · Post by **sunny104** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:17 am

That's my birthday!!:-3

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:48 am

Great Caesar's Ghosts!

Raven · Post by **Raven** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 9:50 am

SnoozeControl wrote: I hate to be an alarmist, but we're going to have a full moon on the Ides of March. I suggest we all just stay home or hide in a cave during that time.

Et Tu Brute? :wah:

BabyRider · Post by **BabyRider** » Thu Mar 02, 2006 10:39 am

SnoozeControl wrote: I hate to be an alarmist, but we're going to have a full moon on the Ides of March. I suggest we all just stay home or hide in a cave during that time.

Aww CRAP!! I hope it falls on my day off, otherwise, the bar is going to be full of LOONIES!!!! GEeze, but I HATE full moons!!