Shakespeare’s plays are filled with curses. I don’t mean the Victorian dirty jokes and toilet humor, but the superstitions that have sprouted from some of his most famous plays. Besides never mentioning the Scottish Play during a show’s opening night, there’s only one that I can think of that matches its fame. Thankfully, as it’s a few days past March 15^th, I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all come out of one of the most literary cursed days unscathed and we don’t need to “beware the Ides of March”. Unless, of course, you happen to be named Julius Caesar. Then I might give it a few more days (like Caesar should have as he was warned that his life was in danger for 30 days, and not just the Ides of March, but I digress).

That being said, it got me thinking. What even are Ides? It’s not a word that I’ve heard anyone use, unless, of course, they’re quoting Mr. William. When I get thinking, it usually leads me to jump down a very fascinating rabbit hole. So, if I’ve given you a brain itch that needs to be scratched, come join me as we delve into the depths of Roman history, my musings, and some library-related goodies.