Gluttony

The Ides of March

 The Ides of March

Rome – The ides (in Latin pronounced Ee-des) fell on the 13th of all months, except March, May, July (named after Julius himself, this month was previously Quintilis), and October, when it would take place on the 15th. Thanks to the ancient writers we all know what happened on the Ides of March near Pompey’s Theater (not far from this temple in photo 1). Shakespeare’s version has it on the Senate steps, a common misconception (as in photo 3, a painting by Camuccini, 1798).

Regardless of the plan’s intent, execution was a stupendously bad idea (scientific term, this) for the Senators who thought they were freeing the Republic from a tyrant. First, they all met a horrible end. Suetonius states that none survived Caesar more than three years; Mark Anthony and Octavian saw to that. Second, Caesar’s death led to the exact opposite of what the self-proclaimed Liberatores set out to achieve. With opposition in the Senate dead (literally), a few years of civil war and the ensuing desire for security, Caesar’s nephew and appointed heir Octavian managed to take power, deify his uncle, and change his name to Caesar Augustus. Republic, exeunt left . . Empire, enter right. So much for restoration.

Just history, right? Some must still feel strongly about it. Pay attention (be aware?) on the Ides of March in Rome and you’ll likely see the flowers that a few people still leave at Caesar’s feet each year.

From Italian Notebook