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"Beware the Ides of March." It is the most famous warning in literary history. On March 15, 44 BC, Julius Caesar ignored the omens, went to the Roman Senate, and was famously assassinated by a group of senators (including his friend Brutus).

This Sunday, March 15, is The Ides of March.

Originally, the "Ides" just marked the first full moon of a given month in the Roman calendar, usually a day for settling debts. But thanks to William Shakespeare, it has become the universal anniversary of backstabbing, betrayal, and political drama.

Whether you are a Roman history buff, a theater kid, or just someone navigating corporate office politics, here is how to lean into the drama and celebrate the day (safely).

Why We Celebrate: The Drama of Hubris

Caesar's downfall is the ultimate cautionary tale about ego. He thought he was untouchable. He was wrong.

The Big Why: We celebrate because human nature hasn't changed in 2,000 years. The Ides of March is a great excuse to enjoy some history, play a game of deception, and remind ourselves to stay humble.

3 Ways to Make Today Memorable (and Safe)

1. The "Et Tu?" Desk Warning (The Decor)

If you want to send a subtle, hilarious message to your coworkers about office politics, this is the ultimate flex.

• The Move: The Historical Pencil Holder.

• The Amazon Find: Julius Caesar Bust Pen Holder

• Why we love it: This is exactly what it sounds like. It’s a beautifully sculpted, heavyweight bust of Julius Caesar, but his back is full of holes designed to hold your pens and pencils. It is dark, funny, and an absolute conversation starter for any desk.

• Shop the Julius Caesar Pen Holder on Amazon 

2. The "Real Story" (The Book)

Shakespeare's version is great fiction, but the actual history of Rome is even more chaotic and fascinating.

• The Move: The Deep Dive.

• The Amazon Find: "SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome" by Mary Beard.

• Why we love it: Mary Beard is one of the world's leading classicists, but she doesn't write like a boring professor. SPQR is a sweeping, highly readable, and deeply entertaining look at how a small, dusty village grew into a massive empire. It strips away the myths and shows you what it was actually like to live (and plot) in ancient Rome.

• Get "SPQR" by Mary Beard on Amazon 

3. The "Trust No One" Experience (The Game)

Since you can't actually overthrow an empire this weekend, you can settle for destroying your friendships across a dining room table.

• The Move: The Game of Betrayal.

• The Amazon Find: [Betrayal at House on the Hill (Board Game)].

• Why we love it: This is the ultimate social deduction and strategy game. You and your friends explore a haunted mansion together, but halfway through the game, one of you secretly becomes the "traitor." The rest of the group has to figure out who it is and survive. It captures the exact paranoid, backstabbing energy of the Ides of March.

• Shop Betrayal at House on the Hill on Amazon 

The "Zero Dollar" Hack: The Shakespeare Marathon

You don't need to spend denarii to appreciate the day.

• The Trick: Stream the Drama.

• The Method: Find a film adaptation of Julius Caesar (the 1953 version with Marlon Brando as Mark Antony is a cinematic masterpiece).

• The Alternative: If 1950s cinema isn't your vibe, watch Mean Girls. It is fundamentally the exact same story of a powerful ruler brought down by an inner circle of conspirators. (Regina George is Caesar. Cady Heron is Brutus. Think about it.)

Join the Conversation

We need to know your survival instincts.

If you were a Roman Emperor, what would be your fatal flaw?

(Too trusting? Refusing to listen to the fortune teller? Eating too much cheese at the banquet?)

Confess your tragic flaws in the comments on Instagram or TikTok and tag us @OnManyOccasions!