Yesterday, we were talking maths, as it was 3/14. But today it is 3/15 (or 15/3) and the classist in me come to the surface to remind you: BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH!
Well. Now I will put on my teacher's robe and talk to you about it!
So let's start from the beginning, to understand it better.
The Romans had their own calendar, which was originally lunar. The legend states that the first diary was created by the founder of the city of Rome, Romulus.
In the beginning, they had divided the calendar year into ten months that each had 31 or 30 days and gave these months names of gods (e.g. March from the god Mars, April from the view Aphrodite - Apru, and so on.)
The year started in March and ends in December. The first months they were named after their gods and then based on their numerical order.
However, there were problems with this calendar as it covered only 304 days and very often it was observed that June one year is a summer month and in two years it is a winter month.
As you can see, this brought a lot of confusion - especially in the choice of wardrobe, lolol.
But in the years of the Roman Republic, the calendar changed and took the twelve-month form we know today. That is, after the end of December, they added the months of January (in honor of the god Janus) and February.
(Fun Fact: And with the change again there was a problem, because their days did not come out - because now with the addition of these months they reached 355 and to deal with this problem they had a month to put it in their diary every 2 years )
And this whole complicated system was not enough, to state the days of each month were even more complicated.
To declare the day of the month they had an even stranger system. They did not say first, second, third of the month, no. Calendae was the first of the month, Nonae the 5th, and Idus the 13th, except for March, May, July, and October, of which Nonae was the 7th and Idus the 15th.
So, when we are talking about the Ides of March that means it is the 15 of March.
and why we should beware of this particular date?
The truth is that the date by itself unless your name is Julius Caesar and you are the most powerful man - and wanna be a dictator- in the Roman Republic, is quite harmless.
The only one that suffered that date was Julius Caesar because on the 15th of March was assassinated by a group of conspirators.
(You know the story: J.C. went to the senate, conspirators to prevent him to become an autocrat, gathered around and started stabbing him, last but not least Brutus -who was like a son to Caesar- stabbed him and Caesar with his dying breath said -in greek: And you, Brutus, my son?)
So, how did the phrase So how did we get this phrase?
Rumor has it that before reaching the Senate, Caesar met a soothsayer who told him "Beware the Ides of March", that is, to watch himself that day.
It's the words of the ancient historians (Plutarch, Suetonius) that gave it to us, but the greatest popularity was given by Shakespeare with his play "Julius Caesar". The phrase is often used till not to warn us that a great evil is ahead of us.
And since we are talking about cinema here, let's see how this phrase is portrayed.
Julius Caesar (1953)
In the classic film "Julius Caesar" by Henry Mankiewicz, an adaptation of the Shakespearean play, these words are said to Caesar (played by Louis Calhern) while he is walking towards the senate, by a seer, who wants to warn him. Caesar, of course, doesn't listen to him, continuing his way to the tragic death and as many believe the death of the Roman Republic and the decay of Romans.
The specific film is thought to be one of the most impressive adaptations, mostly because of the amazing Marlon Brando and John Gielgud in the roles of Marcus Antonius and Cassius.
The speech of Marlon Brando as Marcus Antonius "Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!" is considered to be one of the most memorable and mush quoted.
(Though some people believed that he couldn't reach the quality of Laurence Olivier)
The ides of March (2011)
George Clooney has written, directed this political drama about a candidate for the U.S. presidency, and played also the part of the presidential candidate. But the main role is that of Ryan Gosling, the junior campaign manager of him, a cynical, ambitious young man who does everything to succeed. So, the title of the film could be a warning to all those, who like Caesar defied the words that tried to prevent them to become a "monster" in favor of power.
Though not one of the best plays by Clooney, the message is loud and clear for anyone who wants to hear it.
Simpsons - Homer the Great (1995)
Simpsons are known to include many historical and classical events in their stories, so this phrase wouldn't miss from their repertoire.
Homer joins a clan "The Stonecutters" and after a punishment they discover that he is the chosen one, making Homer lose all common sense and believes his "deity". But, as Liza reminds him 'Beware the Ides of March", cause whatever comes up, also goes down. And so, is Homer that he may be the chosen one but his return doesn't last for long, returning to his ever-loving home and family, his own kingdom.
So, as a conclusion...
Is the phrase scary?
Yes, if you are Julius Caesar or a powerful, arrogant authoritarian.
If not, do not worry! It is just a classic phrase that you can use to impress your friends, colleagues, your audience anyway.
But, Beware... Use it wisely and if by any chance hear it, don't be like Caesar...
Listen to what they have to say!
Thank you for reading!