 |
 |
Beware the Ides of March 🗡 |
Today in 44 BC, Julius Caesar was stabbed to death at the Senate by as many as 60 high-ranking Roman conspirators.
The conspirators considered a number of plans for killing Caesar, but settled on an attack in the Senate, where their togas would provide cover for their blades.
Rumours of a plot were going around and some of Caesar’s friends tried to stop him going to the Senate. His doctors were concerned by dizzy spells he was suffering and his wife, Calpurnia, had had worrying dreams. Brutus stepped in to reassure Caesar that he would be fine.
Nicolaus of Damascus recounts a messy scene in the Senate with men injuring each other as they scramble to kill Caesar. Once Caesar was down, more conspirators rushed in, perhaps keen to make their mark on history, and he was reportedly stabbed 35 times.
When he saw that even Brutus - perhaps his illegitimate son - had turned against him, he is said to have pulled his toga over his head. Shakespeare, rather than contemporary reports, gave us the phrase "Et tu, Brute?" |
Sign up on a 14-day free trial to watch 'Killing God: The Assassination of Julius Caesar'. Use code "IDESOFMARCH" for 50% off your first 3 months subscription. |
Featured Film |
 |
Why was this political giant of ancient Rome assassinated? How did the plot to murder him unfold? What was its significance? And did a dying Caesar really say Shakespeare’s famous line: ‘et tu Brute?’ |
Featured Podcast |
 |
Emma Southon unpacks the story of Julius Caesar's assassination in 44 BC. |
Featured Article |
 |
The Ides of March: The Assassination of Julius Caesar Explained
The events of the Ides of March – 15 March in the modern calendar – in 44 BC had enormous consequences for Rome, triggering a series of civil wars that saw Caesar’s great-nephew Octavian secure his place as Augustus, the first Roman Emperor.
But what actually happened on this famous date? |
No comments:
Post a Comment