What day of the month is the Ides of March in the Roman calendar?
The Ides of March falls on the 15th day of the month. This date originally reflected the full moon within the lunar-based structure of early Roman timekeeping.
Questions about Ides of March
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Who led the Ides sheep procession to the Capitolium for sacrifice?
The Flamen Dialis led the Ides sheep procession along the Via Sacra to the Capitolium for sacrifice. Jupiter remained the supreme deity to whom the Ides of each month were sacred throughout Roman history.
When did Julius Caesar die at a Senate meeting after being stabbed by conspirators?
Julius Caesar died at a Senate meeting on the 15th of March 44 BC after being stabbed by conspirators. As many as 60 men participated in the plot led by Brutus and Cassius against the dictator.
Which ancient scholar identified the soothsayer who warned Caesar about the Ides of March?
Suetonius identifies the soothsayer as a haruspex named Spurinna who delivered this warning. Plutarch records that a seer warned Caesar harm would come on the Ides of March before the event.
What year did Octavian become emperor Augustus terminating the Roman Republic entirely?
His adopted heir became emperor Augustus in 27 BC, terminating the Roman Republic entirely. Caesar's death triggered civil wars that ended with Octavian rising to sole power over Rome.