The Ides of March: A Journey to Ancient Rome

The Ides of March, a day of misfortune and doom, is associated with perhaps the most infamous Roman leader, Julius Caesar – or more importantly, his death, solidified by by the soothsayer’s warning in Shakespeare’s infamous tragedy, promptly titled, Julius Caesar. While the Ides of March is not necessarily representative of a specific date, it is commemorated on the 15th of March every year, as this was roughly the time of the Ides within each month.

It costs around the same price as a slice of focaccia from a nice bakery in the area to see the location.

Time for the Romans was divided differently, with the Kalends, the Ides at the start and middle of each month, respectively, and the Nones sitting between them. With the intention of maintaining and restoring the Roman Republic, a large group of nobles assassinated Caesar on this fateful day in 44BCE, however, what came of the crime instead was a series of civil wars leading the first Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar, in 27BCE. The idea of a Roman Republic, the cause of Caesar’s death, was destroyed after the battles.  

 Our first recommendation for touristic attractions to mark this date is the supposed location of Julius Caesar’s assassination – the Largo Argentina square. Although Caesar was stabbed in Pompey’s Theatre, that structure is no more, but the square in place of the theatre is still there. Much of the ruins are below ground level, but people are now permitted close access on a new walkway from the ground level to see the ruins. And for the small price of five euros too! Residents get free access, but for tourists it costs around the same price as a slice of focaccia from a nice bakery in the area to see the location where, according to Shakespeare, Caesar cried the words, “Et tu, Brute?” when seeing his confidant among the assassins. Nowadays, the area is home to stray cats, so be sure to spot a few if you wander through this landmark.

Alesia is arguably the most revered location, having held the most brutal and significant battle.

 As the Ides of March notes the death and tragedy of Julius Caesar, to mark the occasion, why not mention the manner in which the leader managed to expand the empire? Caesar is furthermore associated with the conquer of Gaul under the Roman name, taking places in France and leaving incredible history and ruins behind. Touristic trips can take you on a week-long journey across these places from London, such as Lyon, Dijon, and Alesia, such as those provided by The Cultural Experience travelling through France to take in the military power of the romans led by Julius Caesar. Alesia is arguably the most revered location, having held the most brutal and significant battle, where Caesar’s conquest of the town was intensified by the powerful walls circulating the location to secure his authority in the name of Rome over Gaul and its people.

This battle is significant because of its finality – it marked the end of the end of the Gaelic Wars, where Romans claimed Gaul as their own and Vercingetorix, the Chief of Gaul, surrendered after the death of tens of thousands of his people. Today, people can visit the area, such as the MuséoParc Alésia in Alise-Sainte-Reine – a small region of Burgundy. While there is still debate on the exact location, this museum claims Alise-Sainte-Reine as the host of the battles. Here, there are Gallo-Roman remains available to see not too far from the Museum itself, filled with a sanctuary, a theatre, the monument of Ucuetis including an awe-inspiring courtyard that visitors can see, as well as free-to-access statue dedicated to Vercingetorix that’s signified the last of archaeological research in Alesia. Interestingly, it must be noted that the statue is now marked as an inaccurate representation of the Gauls living during this era. Tickets vary depending on which access you desire (the remains or the museums), however, all remain under ten euros including access to both locations.

The Roman Forum … concentrated the political power in the city, including structures such as temples

Caesar’s violent endeavours in Gaul proved his military excellence and presence as dictator of the Romans, establishing his legacy through the expansion into europe of the Roman Empire, but what was it like in Rome when Caesar was alive? The Roman Forum, which during the Roman Republic concentrated the political power in the city, including structures such as temples, was most likely somewhere Julius Caesar would have spent much of his life in, and actually redesigned himself once he rose to power. The Basilica Julia, destroyed twice by fires and demolished after the fall of Rome, can still be visited, but only the floor plan and ruins remain nowadays. Entrance to the Roman Forum can be purchased online for under 20 euros for a 24 hour pass including visits to the Forum, the Colosseum, and the Palatine. Reduced tickets are available for EU citizens as well for just two euros! The ruins are visible from street view room, however the ticket includes up-close visitation of these historical ruins.  

Lastly, if going abroad is not possible this Ides of March, places in the UK are a must-see. Julius Caesar led the invading Roman Army in Britain in 54BCE, as a preliminary investigation of the island before returning to Gaul, but this instigated the interest Roman leaders would continue to have with Britain until the conquering headed by Claudius in 43AD. Roads, agricultural wealth, and viniculture is what they introduced to the conquered land and the establishment of one of the world’s most popular cities – London (or Londonium, as it was named by the Romans).

Ruins preserving daily frontier life through floorplans and wooden tablets with inscriptions.

Today, structures still stand, such as Hadrian’s Wall, which covers an incredible 73 miles and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Frontiers of the Roman Empire. If you journey a little south of the wall, there is the Vindolanda Fort, with ruins preserving daily frontier life through floorplans and wooden tablets with inscriptions. Ruins exist in the capital too, with places such as the Roman Temple of Mithras with free access in the centre of the city. There are guided tours, free of charge, every twenty minutes. 

If anything, this Ides of March, have a salad to mark the occasion.