The Most Significant Events That Occurred on the Ides of March

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“Beware the ides of March” — these famous words are spoken twice in Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar,” warning the titular character of his assassination. The event, which took place on March 15, 44 B.C., has become known as an unlucky date for more than just Caesar.

Perhaps fueled by Shakespeare, this ominous warning has become a bad omen for the day. In ancient times, ides referred to the first full moon of the month, which usually fell between the 13th and 15th. As a religious holiday, the Ides of March even signified the new year, because it was celebrated on the Feast of Anna Perenna, a goddess of the year.

Though several bad events have occured on the date, some positive ones also have happened. So, is March 15 really unlucky or is it merely a self-fulfilling prophecy?

To compile a list of significant historic events that occurred on the same the as the infamous Ides of March, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed scores of historical articles and online encyclopedias.

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