I’m sure you’ve all heard the phrase, “Beware the ides of March” as relates to the death of Julius Caesar but do you know what the Ides actually are?
It’s a term that means the middle of the month per the calendar in use in the days of the Romans. The days were also related to the moon phase. The first day of the month was called the Kalends (origin of the word calendar) which traditionally fell during the new moon since the calendar back then was calculated by moon phase (lunar calendar). The day of the half-moon was called the Nones and the day of the full moon was called the Ides which was normally middle of the month which could range from the 13th to the 15th of the month.
Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15 which happened to be the Ides of March. His words “et tu, Brute” meant “Even you, Brutus?” which he said as a question when he realized his friend was in on the plot to murder him.
I have a picture of Julius’ marker in the forum in Rome attached here. It’s believed to be where he was cremated. People still leave flowers on it. 
Jillian Chantal 
Another great fact. Thanks Jillian I look forward to these.
By: Lavada Dee on March 15, 2013
at 2:29 pm
Glad you like them, Lavada. Some days it’s harder to think of one than others. I was going to do St. Pat but when I started tying the date, I knew I had to talk about poor, dead Jules.
By: Jillian Chantal on March 15, 2013
at 2:57 pm
Yep, I like Fridays, even if I don’t read the facts until Saturday. 🙂 Happy St. Patty’s Day to you!
By: Laurie Ryan on March 16, 2013
at 12:32 pm
Lol. I do a lot of my blog reading catchup on Saturdays, Laurie. I have a lot to hit and sometimes, no time til the weekend. Happy Paddy’s day to you, too!
By: Jillian Chantal on March 16, 2013
at 3:56 pm