In history, certain dates carry weighty significance, their very mention evoking a sense of foreboding or consequence. Among these, the Ides of March stands as a poignant reminder of the impulsive and unpredictable nature of fate and the tumultuous currents of human affairs.
Originating from ancient Roman traditions, the Ides marked the midpoint of the month in the Roman calendar, typically falling on the 15th day of March, May, July, and October, and the 13th day of other months. However, it is the Ides of March, particularly in the year 44 BC, that has become immortalised for its association with betrayal and political upheaval.
The most enduring event tied to the Ides of March is the assassination of Julius Caesar, one of the most influential figures in Roman history. On that fateful day, Caesar, adorned in the regal purple robe, entered the Theatre of Pompey, unaware of the conspiracy brewing against him. As he took his seat, a group of senators, led by Brutus and Cassius, struck him down, plunging Rome into chaos and altering the course of history.
But what led to this momentous day in history?
Well, Caesar's rise to prominence and his consolidation of power raised concerns among the Roman elite. Through military conquests and political maneuvering, Caesar had amassed unprecedented authority, effectively sidelining the traditional power structures of the Roman Senate and assuming dictatorial powers.
He began his political career in the Roman Republic as a young man, rising through the ranks of Roman politics through his family connections and personal charisma. He held various positions, including military roles and elected offices, which helped him establish a network of supporters and gain valuable experience in governance. Caesar's military campaigns in Gaul (modern-day France and Belgium) from 58 to 50 BC significantly enhanced his reputation and power. Through bold and innovative tactics, he conquered much of Gaul and expanded Rome's territory, gaining immense wealth and military glory in the process. His successful military campaigns solidified his popularity among the Roman legions and earned him a devoted following.
In 59 BC, Caesar formed the First Triumvirate, a political alliance with Pompey the Great, a renowned military leader, and Marcus Licinius Crassus, one of the wealthiest men in Rome. Together, they wielded significant influence over Roman politics, with Caesar leveraging his military successes and political connections to consolidate power. Despite opposition from traditionalist senators, Caesar was elected consul in 59 BC and again in 48 BC. However, tensions within the Triumvirate and political rivalries led to a breakdown in relations between Caesar and Pompey. In 49 BC, the Senate demanded that Caesar disband his army and return to Rome, prompting him to cross the Rubicon River with his army, a move that marked the beginning of a civil war.
In fact, the phrase "crossing the Rubicon" originates from the historical event involving Julius Caesar and his army in 49 BC.
The Rubicon River served as the boundary between the province of Cisalpine Gaul, where Caesar was serving as governor, and Italy, which was under the jurisdiction of the Roman Senate. By law, a Roman general was prohibited from bringing his army into Italy proper, as it was seen as a potential threat to the authority of the Senate and the stability of the Republic.
When Caesar received an ultimatum from the Senate to disband his army and return to Rome as a private citizen, he faced a momentous decision. Crossing the Rubicon with his army would be an act of open rebellion against the Senate and a declaration of civil war.
Caesar famously uttered the phrase "alea iacta est" (the die is cast) before leading his army across the Rubicon. This bold move marked the beginning of Caesar's civil war against his political opponents, particularly Pompey the Great and his allies, and ultimately led to Caesar's assumption of dictatorial power.
The phrase "crossing the Rubicon" has since entered the English language as a metaphor for making a fateful and irrevocable decision, often with significant consequences. It symbolises a point of no return, where one commits to a course of action with full awareness of its implications.
Of interest is that Caesar granted citizens' rights to all conquered people of the Roman Empire. He felt this would unite the Empire and make new Romans more willing to accept his rule.It no doubt also created a strong voter base.
Caesar's military victories in the ensuing civil war against Pompey and his allies culminated in his appointment as dictator perpetuo ("dictator in perpetuity") by the Roman Senate in 44 BC. This title granted him virtually unlimited power and authority over the Roman Republic.
Caesar's rise to prominence and his consolidation of power raised concerns among the Roman elite. Through military conquests and political maneuvering, Caesar had amassed unprecedented authority, effectively sidelining the traditional power structures of the Roman Senate and assuming dictatorial powers.
Incidentally, Julius Caesar played a significant role in the reform of the Roman calendar, which ultimately led to the establishment of leap years. Prior to Caesar's reforms, the Roman calendar was based on a lunar system, which often led to inaccuracies and inconsistencies in tracking the passage of time.
In 46 BC, Caesar consulted with the Alexandrian astronomer Sosigenes and introduced the Julian calendar, a solar calendar based on the length of the solar year. This calendar consisted of 365 days divided into 12 months, with an additional day added to February every four years to account for the extra fractional days in the solar year. This additional day is what we now refer to as a "leap day," and the year in which it occurs is known as a "leap year."
By implementing leap years, Caesar's calendar aimed to synchronize the Roman calendar with the seasons more accurately, ensuring that important agricultural and religious festivals occurred at the appropriate times. The Julian calendar remained in use for centuries, with some modifications, until it was further refined by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, leading to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar, which is the calendar system used by most of the world today.
According to popular belief, Julius Caesar was born via Caesarean section. The story goes that his mother, Aurelia Cotta, underwent the procedure to deliver him, hence the association of the term with Caesar. However, historical evidence suggests that Caesar's birth was likely a normal delivery.
The word "Caesarean" is derived from the Latin word "Caesus," meaning "cut." It's believed that the term "Caesarean section" originally referred to any surgical incision made to deliver a baby, regardless of whether the mother survived the procedure. Over time, the term became more specifically associated with the surgical procedure of delivering a baby through an incision in the abdominal and uterine walls, which is how it's understood today.
While Julius Caesar's connection to the term is more mythological than factual, the influence of his name has persisted in medical terminology, serving as a reminder of the historical origins of obstetric practices.
But back to our story.
Many senators viewed Caesar's actions as a threat to the republican ideals upon which Rome was founded. His disregard for senatorial authority and his efforts to centralise power in his own hands appeared to undermine the principles of checks and balances that had long governed Roman politics.
Caesar's enemies within the Senate, including prominent figures such as Brutus and Cassius, harboured personal grievances and political ambitions of their own. Some felt marginalised by Caesar's ascent and saw his elimination as a means to restore their own influence.
There were fears that Caesar's accumulation of power would lead to the establishment of a monarchy, effectively ending the Roman Republic. Many senators believed that by eliminating Caesar, they could preserve the republican system and prevent the emergence of a tyrant. Despite his detractors within the Senate, Caesar enjoyed widespread popularity among the Roman populace, particularly among the lower classes and the army. This support further fueled the fears of his opponents, who saw him as a potential demagogue capable of undermining the traditional aristocratic order.
And so it was, on that fateful day, Caesar, adorned in the regal purple robe, entered the Theatre of Pompey, unaware of the conspiracy brewing against him. As he took his seat, a group of senators, led by Brutus and Cassius, struck him down, plunging Rome into chaos and altering the course of history.
The assassination of Caesar, orchestrated by a group of senators led by Brutus and Cassius, was a desperate attempt to thwart what they perceived as Caesar's tyrannical ambitions and preserve the republican institutions of Rome. However, the aftermath of Caesar's death plunged Rome into a series of civil wars, ultimately leading to the rise of the Roman Empire under Caesar's adopted heir, Octavian (later known as Augustus).
William Shakespeare's famous play, "Julius Caesar," immortalised the events surrounding the assassination and introduced the iconic phrase "Beware the Ides of March" into English literature.
In modern times, the Ides of March continues to be a symbol of betrayal and political intrigue. Its echoes reverberate in contemporary politics, serving as a cautionary tale against the dangers of authoritarianism and the erosion of our accepted norms. As societies grapple with the challenges of governance and leadership, the lessons of the past remain ever pertinent, reminding us of the fragility of power and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding against tyranny.
What can we learn from this time of turmoil so many years ago? I suppose that politics is political and has little to do with the People. It is all about power and the struggles for power.
It matters little if you believe that Caesar was the good guy or the bad guy. It matters more about the people, behind the scenes, pulling the strings.
We are seeing increasing levels of political manouevering aren't we? Where voters are imported, supporters being gathered and alliances being made. Treachery is everywhere. We find it hard to navigate the stormy waters of what is going on within the walls of our governments. Who to trust? Who to support?
I suppose the best take out from this is to ask one simple question.
Who do you trust?
For me, I have to say that I trust no one.
Politicians now have a reputation for being liars and self gratifying power hungry individuals who care nothing for anyone but themselves. Until we can find statesmen rather than politicians, I fear that We, the People, have little to say or do.
Is it time to cross the Rubicon? Is it time for the army to leap into the unknown and treacherous waters of fighting back?
Or are we too busy worrying about wearing life jackets, making sure that transgenders and gays are first into the boats and we are diverse and the lifeboats are painted in rainbow colours and displaying appropriate ethnic flags?
For myself, I suspect that any chance of crossing the Rubicon would be closed down because it is too hot, too cold, too dangerous and would breach workplace health and safety laws. Or, worse still, endanger a green toed newt that ate coal and was not black.
You tell me, because I am buggered if I know.
BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS
