The Fateful Ides of March
The Senate was abuzz with whispered intrigue. Conspirators, led by Brutus and Cassius, plotted to assassinate Julius Caesar, the newly appointed Dictator for life. They believed Caesar had become too ambitious and tyrannical, and feared he would soon abolish the Roman Republic altogether. On the morning of the Ides of March (March 15), Caesar entered the Senate House, oblivious to the danger that awaited him. As he took his seat, the conspirators closed in around him. Casca struck first, stabbing Caesar in the neck. Caesar struggled, but the other conspirators joined in, stabbing him repeatedly until he lay dead at the foot of Pompey's statue. The assassination of Julius Caesar plunged Rome into a state of chaos. His supporters, led by Mark Antony and Octavian, vowed to avenge his death. They declared war on the conspirators, who fled Rome and raised an army in the provinces. The two sides met in battle at Philippi in 42 BC. After a bloody conflict, Antony and Octavian eme...