Ancient Rome is a hotbed of political contention. A military hero has been named “dictator in perpetuity” and after he rolls out sweeping reforms across the Republic, many in the Senate feel his power is getting out of control. A seer warns him, “Beware the Ides of March.”

What happens next will have ripples through history for the next two thousand years.

Want to know more? The Clayton Museum of Ancient History at York College will host an Ides of March event on March 14. The two-part evening affair will include tours of the museum collection as well as a dinner and program on the events in Rome on March 15 in the year 44 BC.

The night will begin at 5:30 with appetizers and a special exhibition by the museum’s Junior Docent Legion Program in the museum, located on the lower level of the Mackey Center. Guests will interact with Junior Docents as they guide visitors through the museum and display their knowledge of the ancient world. There is no cost for this portion of the event and no tickets are required.

At 6:30 p.m. the event will continue with a multi-course meal inspired by ancient Rome. History Professor Tim McNeese will present an interesting and entertaining program about the Ides of March during dinner as he walks you through the hours leading up to their violent conclusion.

Tickets for the dinner are available for $25 at the York Area Chamber of Commerce (http://yorkchamber.org/). Table sponsorships are also available. Contact Amber Soderholm, curator of the Clayton Museum, with questions about sponsorships: (402) 363-5748/ asoderholm@york.edu.

About the Clayton Museum of Ancient History

Opened in 2015, the Clayton Museum of Ancient History featuring the Stanback collection includes a wide array of artifacts, with the core of the collection focused around the Roman soldier. This facility offers enhancements for classroom instruction in history and Biblical studies and provides an excellent collection that the college shares with the public. The museum also offers an interactive children’s area, where younger patrons can learn through play.

The Clayton Museum of Ancient History is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. More information at www.claytonmuseumofancienthistory.org.