The Ides of March

Today is the Ides of March, the date Julius Ceasar was assassinated in 44 BC. His murder took place at the Portico of Pompeii in Rome, now part of the Torre Argentina archaeological site (shown in the photo). Julius Ceasar was famous for conquering Gaul, extending the Roman Empire to the Atlantic Ocean, and making reforms to the Roman government.

You can't enter the Torre Argentina site, but you can walk around it and view it free of charge. The site houses the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary, a volunteer group that feeds and houses feral cats. If you're a cat lover, check their site for special events and tours, including a Cats and Culture tour of Italy.

Rome Travel: Top Ancient Rome Sites | Rome Visitors Guide | Rome Pictures | Where to Stay in Rome

_{Photo of Torre Argentina © 2006 by James Martin, Europe for Visitors, licensed to about.com}