The Ides of March refers to March 15 in the Roman calendar, a date that became infamous due to the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE. The term "Ides" simply means the middle of the month, and in Roman tradition, it was a day for settling debts and holding festivals. Caesar's assassination was the result of a conspiracy by several Roman senators who feared his growing power and potential to become a dictator. This event marked a significant turning point in Roman history, leading to the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.