What led up to Caesar’s assassination
The Tusculum portrait is possibly the only surviving sculpture of Caesar made during his lifetime.
By 44 BC, Julius Caesar had become the most powerful figure in Rome, holding the unprecedented title of “Dictator for Life.” His rapid rise, military victories, political reforms, and accumulation of power created resentment and fear among Rome’s traditional elite. Many senators feared Caesar intended to abolish the Republic entirely, replacing it with a monarchy centered around himself. His increasingly autocratic behavior, perceived arrogance, disregard for Republican traditions, and clemency toward former enemies further fueled resentment among the senators.
Who was involved:
The conspiracy against Caesar included approximately 60 Roman senators. The primary conspirators were:
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Marcus Junius Brutus: Historically remembered as the symbolic leader of the plot. He was considered noble and respected, descended from Lucius Junius Brutus, who had expelled the last Roman king centuries earlier.
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Gaius Cassius Longinus: Brutus’ pragmatic and politically influential ally. Cassius was instrumental in orchestrating the conspiracy.
The assassination
Vincenzo Camuccini, “Morte di Cesare”, 1798,
The assassination occurred on March 15, 44 BC, known as the Ides of March (Eid-Mar). As Caesar entered the Senate chamber in the Theatre of Pompey in Rome, conspirators surrounded him. Despite various omens and warnings—including famously from a soothsayer who cautioned him to “beware the Ides of March”—Caesar proceeded to the Senate meeting.
According to historical accounts, the conspirators attacked Caesar, stabbing him 23 times. Among the assassins was Marcus Brutus, whom Caesar trusted deeply. This gave rise to the legendary phrase attributed to Caesar by Shakespeare: “Et tu, Brute?” (“You too, Brutus?”). Although this phrase is literary, it captures the profound betrayal felt by Caesar.
Aftermath of the assassination and end of the Roman Republic:
The conspirators believed they were saving the Republic from tyranny and expected support from the Roman people and senators. However, Caesar’s assassination plunged Rome into political chaos. Rather than restoring the Republic, it sparked a series of civil wars.
Initially, Brutus and Cassius fled Rome, gathering forces in Greece and Asia Minor. They were later confronted by Caesar’s allies, Mark Antony and Octavian (Caesar’s adopted heir), in the decisive Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. Both Brutus and Cassius were defeated and committed suicide.
The assassination failed to restore the Republican government. Instead, it paved the way for the rise of Caesar’s heir, Octavian.
Following years of conflict, Octavian defeated Mark Antony and Cleopatra at the Battle of Actium in 31 BC. Octavian became Rome’s first emperor, Augustus, formally establishing the Roman Empire and ending the Roman Republic in 27 BC.
The iconic Eid-Mar coin struck by Brutus:
Exact Replica from impressions of the original coin.
One of the most famous artifacts associated with Caesar’s assassination is the Eid-Mar Denarius, a coin minted in 43-42 BC under Brutus’ authority. “Eid-Mar” refers to the Ides of March, commemorating Caesar’s assassination.
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Obverse (front): Portrait of Brutus himself, with the inscription “BRVT IMP” (Brutus Imperator).
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Reverse (back): The reverse features two daggers, symbolizing the weapons used by the assassins, and a liberty cap (pileus) representing freedom. The inscription “EID MAR” explicitly commemorates the date of Caesar’s death.
This coin boldly declares the conspirators’ belief in their act as one of liberation and restoration of Republican liberty. It remains one of the most historically significant and collectible ancient coins, symbolizing the dramatic events that led to the Roman Republic’s fall.
