Why must we beware the Ides of March?

Answer 1

The "Ides of March," a.k.a. March 15th was the date that Julius Caesar (actual name Gaius Julius Caesar, but known as just Julius Caesar) was assassinated (44 B.C) as purported in the play The Tragedie of Julius Caesar written in 1599 by Shakespeare. He was warned by a soothsayer (fortune teller) named Titus Vestricius Spurinna ahead of time that this date was dangerous for him. He disregarded the warning and was murdered. One of the conspirators and participants of his assassination (by stabbing) was his so-called friend, Marcus Brutus. As Brutus stabbed Caesar, the infamous line, "Et tu, Brute?" (you too, Brutus?) was uttered by Caesar.

The play is based on true events concerning Julius Caesar. Leading his legions across the Rubicon, Caesar sparked civil war in 49 BC that left him the undisputed master of the Roman world. After assuming control of the government, he began extensive reforms of Roman society and government. He was proclaimed dictator for life, and he heavily centralized the bureaucracy of the Republic. These events incited a friend of Caesar, Marcus Junius Brutus, who then conspired with others to murder the dictator and restore the Republic. This dramatic assassination occurred on the Ides of March (March 15th) in 44 BC and led to another Roman civil war.

"Ides" refers to a day in the Roman calendar that marked the approximate middle of the month, i.e., the fifteenth day in the months of March, May, July, and October, and the thirteenth day in the other eight months. The word ides comes from Latin, meaning "half division" (of a month).

Incidentally, I was born on his birthday (July 12)! :-)

Answer 2

*We* don't need to beware the Ides of March. It makes no sense whatsoever as to why that would that would be a requirement of any kind for the entire population living 2000+/- yrs after the event. Unless perhaps they were an actor in SCA group or on a stage. However Julius Caesar did as that was the day he was murdered.

Answer 3

The following copy in quotes is copied and pasted from the National Geographic web site:

"Julius Caesar's bloody assassination on March 15, 44 B.C., forever marked March 15, or the Ides of March, as a day of infamy. It has fascinated scholars and writers ever since.

For ancient Romans living before that event, however, an ides was merely one of several common calendar terms (see sidebar) used to mark monthly lunar events. The ides simply marked the appearance of the full moon.

But the Ides of March assumed a whole new identity after the events of 44 B.C. The phrase came to represent a specific day of abrupt change that set off a ripple of repercussions throughout Roman society and beyond."

The rest of the story can be found at: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/03/0311_040311_idesmarch.html

Answer 4

We don't exactly have too. But this is still a popular phrase

There are 2 places that this phrase comes from:

1.) Julius Caesar said it on his way to his assassination on the "Ides of March" March 15

2.) The famous Shakespeare play Julius Caesar uses the phrase when Caesar is on his way to his assassination a soothsayer who was also a member of the senate said " Beware the Ides of March." He had warned Caesar of this date before.

Answer 5

My ex-wife was born that day. Beware the ides of march!!!

Answer 6

The soothsayer isn't talking to you. He is warning Julius Caesar about his own impending death. The Ides of March is March 15, reputed to be the day he was assassinated by people he had trusted.

So unless you are now living in ancient Rome, are in fact Julius Caesar, stay away from your friend Brutus.

Answer 7

I dont think "we" need to beware the ides of march... I think it was just Ceasar...that was the warning from the sooth sayer anyway...

Answer 8

The Ides of March is when it was foretold that Julius Ceasar would be killed.

Answer 9

because that is the day that a soothsayer told Julius Caesar that he would be killed and he was assasinated on that day. March 15, 44BCE.

here are some links..you might be too young to know of the first group
http://www.theidesofmarch.com/
http://astrology.about.com/od/oddstrange/a/idesmarch.htm
http://www.infoplease.com/spot/ides1.html

Answer 10

i think of Shakespeare made that saying properly-enjoyed in one in each and every of his performs. It extremely skill not something to me...in basic terms that my birthday is March thirteenth. properly...according to danger if I lose my suggestions and pass postal some day........do do do do ....do do do do. LOL.