A dramatic reenactment of Julius Caesar’s assassination is underway at Rome’s Largo di Torre Argentina, marking the Ides of March. The Gruppo Storico Romano is bringing the infamous events of 44 BC to life, staging senate meetings and betrayals that led to Caesar’s downfall.
This historical performance, backed by the city of Rome, takes place in the recently opened archaeological area of Largo Argentina, a site once part of Pompey’s Theatre complex. The reenactment will later move to the Roman Forum, where a funeral procession will recreate the aftermath of the assassination. While the Largo Argentina event is free to attend, entry to the Forum requires a ticket for the Parco Archeologico del Colosseo.
As part of today’s commemorations, a free open-air performance of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar will take place in Largo Argentina at 19:30. It is the first time the play has been staged at the very location linked to Caesar’s murder.
The Significance of the Ides of March
Originally a date tied to religious rites and financial deadlines, the Ides of March (15th March) became infamous with Caesar’s assassination in 44 BC. His murder, carried out by a group of senators including Brutus and Cassius, occurred in the Curia Pompeia, located within what is now Largo Argentina.
Despite his popularity with the Roman people, Caesar’s growing power alarmed the senate. Declaring himself dictator perpetuo (dictator for life), he had upset the fragile balance of the Republic. His death triggered a period of civil war, ultimately leading to the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire under his adopted heir, Octavian, later Emperor Augustus.
According to legend, a soothsayer warned Caesar to “Beware the Ides of March,” a line immortalised by Shakespeare. Struck down by 23 stab wounds, Caesar’s cremation took place in the Roman Forum, where the Temple of Divus Iulius now stands. Each year on 15th March, visitors still leave flowers at the site in his memory.
