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Marcus Junius Brutus

Marcus Junius Brutus (June 85 BC-23 October 42 BC) was a Roman politician who served in the Roman Senate from 58 BC to 42 BC, and who was famous for his leading role in the assassination of Julius Caesar on 15 March 44 BC. In 42 BC, he committed suicide after being defeated by the armies of Octavian and Mark Antony at the Battle of Philippi.

Biography[]

Brutus after Pharsalus

Brutus after Pharsalus

Marcus Junius Brutus was born in Rome, Latium, Roman Republic in June 85 BC, the son of Marcus Junius Brutus the Elder and Servilia, the half-sister of Cato the Younger and later Julius Caesar's mistress. Brutus was adopted by his uncle Quintus Servilius Caepio in 59 BC, and he became a rich man from his assistant governorships in Cyprus and Cilicia. From his first appearance in the Roman Senate, he allied himself with the conservative Optimates, and his close relationship with Caesar (who may have been Brutus' illegitimate father) saved him from death after his ally Pompey was defeated at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC. Brutus served as Governor of Gaul while Caesar campaigned in Africa, and he became a member of Caesar's inner circle. In 45 BC, he married his cousin Porcia Catonis, causing a rift between him and his mother. In 44 BC, he was recruited into a conspiracy against Caesar by his fellow senators, who feared that Caesar would proclaim himself King of Rome; the Hidden Ones secret society also played a key role in forming the conspiracy.

Liberator and downfall[]

Brutus Philippi

Brutus at the Battle of Philippi

On 15 March 44 BC, Brutus was among the last senators to stab Caesar, and Caesar's tragic last words were, "Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Caesar," expressing his sorrow at Brutus' betrayal before falling dead at the foot of a statue of Pompey. After the assassination, the Senate amnestied the assassins at the request of Mark Antony, but an uproar by the population of Rome against the assassins forced them to leave Rome. Brutus left for Crete, and his wife Porcia swallowed hot coals out of despair caused by Brutus' absence.

In 43 BC, after Octavian received his consulship from the Senate, he declared Caesar's assassins murderers and enemies of the state. After Octavian fought with Mark Antony at Mutina, Brutus raised 17 legions and planned to march on the unprotected capital of Rome, but Antony and Octavian hastily made peace and raised 19 legions. At the 42 BC Battle of Philippi, the army of Antony and Octavian met the army of Brutus and his co-conspirator Gaius Cassius Longinus, and, after days of stalemate, Cassius committed suicide, causing the collapse of his force, and Brutus retreated into the nearby hills with just four legions. Brutus knew he would be defeated, so he ran into his own sword as it was held by two of his own men. Antony had Brutus respectfully buried.

Gallery[]

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