The Ides of March, Re-enacted on the Very Spot Where Julius Caesar was murdered.
The Ides of March: Reliving Caesar’s Last Moments at Largo di Torre Argentina
Based on an article by Grace Russo Bullaro for La Voce di New York, the first Italian-English digital daily in the U.S.
Photos by Ludovica Jaus
Beware the Ides of March! This age-old warning has echoed through history, immortalized in literature and whispered in classrooms around the world. Julius Caesar, a towering figure of ancient Rome, likely never imagined that his assassination would overshadow his lifetime of accomplishments. Yet, thanks to Shakespeare and the enduring fascination with his dramatic end, March 15, 44 B.C. remains etched in our collective memory.
On that fateful day, Caesar entered the Curia of Pompey, the Senate house, unaware that betrayal awaited him. Ambushed by his own senators, he was stabbed 23 times, reportedly falling with the iconic words, “Et tu, Brute?” on his lips.
Fast forward to today, and the heart of Rome pulses with that history. In the sacred archaeological site of Largo di Torre Argentina, history is remembered and brought vividly to life.
The site, home to four ancient Roman Republican temples and the ruins of Pompey’s Theatre, now serves as the stage for a dramatic re-enactment of Caesar’s assassination.
A Walk Through History
The re-enactment, curated by director Yuri Napoli and supported by instructors from London’s Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, doesn’t merely retell the story—it immerses audiences in it.
Actors perform on the very ground where Caesar’s blood was spilled, reciting Shakespeare’s timeless orations from Brutus and Mark Antony. This powerful blend of historical accuracy and literary drama transforms what could be a mere history lesson into a visceral experience.
Following Caesar’s staged fall, the re-enactment continues with a solemn funeral procession. The actors lead a symbolic journey from Largo Argentina, through Via dei Fori Imperiali, and onward to the Temple of Julius Caesar in the Roman Forum, mirroring the path of the ancient funeral rites.
Organizing the Past
This commemorative event is the brainchild of Gruppo Storico Romano, organized under the supervision of the University of Rome Tor Vergata and the Capitoline Superintendency. Historical enthusiasts from the Decima Legio Association also participate, adding an extra layer of authenticity with their meticulous attention to Roman customs.
Largo di Torre Argentina: A Living Landmark
Largo di Torre Argentina isn’t just the site of Caesar’s final moments—it’s a treasure trove of Roman history. For years, visitors could only peer down at the ruins from above. But with the recent opening of an elevated walkway in June, tourists can now walk among the remnants of temples and Pompey’s Theatre, standing mere feet from where the Roman leader met his tragic fate.
As night falls, the site is bathed in atmospheric lighting, casting long shadows across ancient stones. It’s a reminder that while Rome continues to evolve, its history is ever-present, waiting to be experienced by those who walk its storied streets.
Whether you’re a history buff, a Shakespeare enthusiast, or simply curious, this re-enactment invites you to step back in time and witness the day that changed the course of Roman history.
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