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[[File: Ass 1.jpg|300px|thumb|left|19th -century painting of the conspirators celebrating the death of Caesar]]Julius Caesar was at the pinnacle of his power when he was killed by an organized group of Roman senators who sought to preserve the Roman Republic and end his reign. At this point in his life, Caesar had become one of the greatest best known and prominent figures of the ancient world. He was had taken control of Rome not only an extraordinary just through his military commander might, but a cunning with charisma and political leadersavvy. During his reign, Caesar greatly expanded the Roman Empire Republic, and his conquests changed the future of Europe. Caesar played a pivotal role in the collapse of But he also was quickly dissolving the Roman Republic and the emergence of creating what would become the Imperial system. Caesar upended the Roman world. However, Caesar's actions to marginalize the Republic and seize sole control of Rome angered many Romans that included including men he not only knew but considered friends. On the Ides of March, Caesar was assassinated stabbed to death by many of these menwho wanted to preserve the Roman Republic.

Why was Caesar murdered by at the hands of his fellow citizens? Caesar was murdered killed for three reasons: First, the conspirators wanted to halt the growth in his personal power. Second, they wanted tried to prevent him from becoming king and destroying the Roman Republic. Finally, some were motivated by basic of human emotions - personal vengeance. The assassination of Julius Caesar ultimately started a civil war that ended with the destruction of the Roman republic.

====BackgroundWho was Julius Caesar?====Caesar was born to a patrician Roman family who had once been very influential in the Republic. However, by the time of Caesar’s birth, their fortunes had declined , and they were no longer particularly prominent.<ref> Freeman, Philip. [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743289544/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0743289544&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=04b3744690637472a5e2eb2eb8dc57c6 Julius Caesar]. (Simon and Schuster, 2008), p. 16</ref> We know little about Caesar's childhood, but during his teenage years , Rome was unstable. Additionally, the death of his father left him somewhat unprotected.

A bloody civil war between Marius and Sulla forced Caesar to pick sides. Caesar sided with Marius, but when the war shifted in favor of Sulla, Caesar was forced to flee Rome and join the army to avoid execution. Caesar quickly rose through After narrowly escaping execution under Sulla he fled Rome ranks of the military and served in the armydistinguished himself. Upon the death of Sulla, he returned to Rome and became one of the leader leaders of the popular party in Rome. A charismatic figure he became one of the best-known figures on the political scene. Caesar was able to enter into an informal political arrangement with Crassus and Pompey, known as the First Triumvirate. This was an agreement that allowed the three men to secure their political goals and to become the de-facto government of the Republic<ref> Goldsworthy, Anthony. Caesar: Life of a Colossus (Yale, Yale University Press, 2006), p. 61</ref>. Under this arrangement Caesar was able to secure election as consul and to become the commander of several legions. An inveterate gambler Caesar used a Germanic incursion into Gaul to intervene in that region. At the time Gaul covered most France and Belgium. Caesar in a ten-year campaign conquered this region and raided Germany and Britain. After the death of Crassus, the First Triumvirate broke down, at the same time the Senate threatened Caesar with prosecution<ref>Goldsworthy, p. 141</ref>. Caesar advanced on Rome, to secure his position and this led to a civil war between him and the Roman senate, whose army was commanded by Pompey the Great. Caesar defeated his enemies at Pharsalus (Greece), but this did not end the war. Mark Anthony ruled in Caesar’s name in Rome and Italy. The conflict continued to rage over the Mediterranean for several years. Caesar emerged victorious and by 44 BC after his decisive victory at the Battle of Mutina. By this time Caesar was the most powerful man in Rome. He had been elected by the Senate as dictator initially for five years, but later for life. This meant that along with the army under his control, he was granted extraordinary powers. His position it seemed was beyond challenge, but this was all to change on the Ides of March 44 BCE.

====The Assassination He was a charismatic leader and became one of Julius the best-known figures on the Roman political scene. Caesar====By March 44 BCEentered into an informal political arrangement with Crassus and Pompey, it appears that there was an extensive conspiracy aimed at known as the removal of Caesar from powerFirst Triumvirate. The members of This agreement allowed the conspiracy were all prominent Romans who were known three men to secure their political goals and become, in essence, the great generalde-facto government of the Republic.<ref> SymeGoldsworthy, Ronald, The Roman Revolution Anthony. <i>Caesar: Life of a Colossus</i> (OxfordYale, Oxford Yale UniversityPress, 20022006), p 218. 61</ref>Under this arrangement, Caesar was able to secure election as consul and to become the commander of several Roman legions. Caesar lead these legions into The sources on Gaul to pacify this region. At the assassination and the conspiracy are not contemporary time, Gaul covered most of France and there are some contradictions in themBelgium. However, many of the facts of the assassination can be established with Caesar then embarked on a great deal of certaintyten-year campaign gradually conquered this region. The guiding spirit behind He then used his legions to raid the conspiracy is believed to be Cassius, a leading Roman senatorpeople in Germany and Britain. The members  After the death of the plot called themselves the liberatorsCrassus, meaning the liberatorsFirst Triumvirate broke down. The plot involved luring Caesar to Pompey’s theatre where gladiatorial games were to be held in his honour. The Roman leader was notoriously reckless when it came to his personal security. He refused bodyguards Senate and he declared that Pompey saw an opportunity to live surrounded by guards was not a life he wanted. oust Caesar had only a few personal attendants who escorted from power and threatened him everywherewith criminal prosecution. On the Ides of March (the 15th of March) the gladiatorial games were staged<ref>Goldsworthy, p. 141</ref> In response, Caesar was expected advanced on Rome to come, secure his political position and he was the guest of honour. Typically, he was late, started a civil war between himself and this alarmed the conspiratorsRoman senate. Then nominal leader of Pompey the conspirators was Brutus, who was well known to Caesar. It is alleged that the great Roman had been Great defended Rome alongside the lover of Brutus’ motherSenate. Brutus had fought against Caesar defeated his enemies at Pharsalus (Greece), but had been pardoned. Despite this Brutus, agreed to lure Caesar to did not end the theatre war. Mark Anthony ruled in Caesar’s name in Rome and Italy. The conflict continued to ensure that rage over the plan could be put in motionMediterranean for several years. He was successful,  Caesar emerged victoriously and he managed to persuade by 44 BC after his decisive victory at the, de-facto ruler Battle of Rome to attendMutina. As By this time Caesar was entering the theatre where the games were to be held, one of the conspirators approached the leadermost powerful man in Rome. He pretended to hand a petition to Caesar. It appears that he was alone as he had left some servants behind in a rush to get to been elected by the theatre. More significantly the group had delayed Mark Anthony and he was not accompanying CaesarSenate as dictator initially for five years, but later for life. This meant that Caesar was alone and virtually defenceless. One of along with the conspirators possible Casca according to the Greek historian Plutarch seized the toga of Caesar. This shocked himarmy under his control, because as he was dictator his person granted extraordinary powers. His position, it seemed, was sacrosanct. The group of conspirators then drew knives from their toga and proceeded to stab Caesar. It is estimated that up to fifty menbeyond challenge, all members of but this situation changed on the Roman senatorial order attacked him. Not all Ides of them were able to get near the man they hated and who they believed was a threat to RomeMarch 44 BCE. It was later revealed that Caesar had been stabbed over thirty times and that he died from blood loss. It is reported that his last words were ‘Et Tus Bruti’, meaning you too Brutus. It appears that he regarded Brutus as a kind of son<ref>Plutarch, Life of {{Mediawiki:TabletAd1}} ====Who conspired against Julius Caesar, xxv </ref>. This is not stated in all of the sources. Several of the sources state that the great general died at the foot of a statue of his great enemy Pompey. ?====

====Caesar wanted to be king====One of the most often cited reasons for the assassination of Caesar was the fact that it was widely believed that he wanted to be king. Many ordinary Romans did not have any problem with a monarchy senators saw his dismissive behavior as an affront and Caesar believed this was popular with this class. However, the idea of a monarch was one that was unacceptable thinly veiled attempt effort to Roman aristocrats. They had been educated in marginalize the Republican version of historySenate. They were taught that monarchs were a threat saw his actions as overt attempt to what they prized most subvert the traditional form of all ‘liberty’ and that they were tyrants. This was the freedom to take part in public life and protect their property<ref>government.GoldworthyMoreover,, p 134</ref> For members of during the Roman elitecivil wars when Mark Anthony had governed Italy, dignitas, or personal dignity and status and this was not possible without liberty. The actions of Caesar would have indicated to them that he was aspiring to be made monarch of Rome. Their suspicions that he would make himself king and end the Republic was apparently confirmed Senate had been cowed into submission by the public demonstrations outside of the Senate house that seemed to demand that Caesar declare himself king<ref>Suetonius, Life of Julius Caesar xxxi</ref>. This unnerved many and persuaded many Roman nobles to join the conspiracyhim. Many of those who took part in the slaying of the dictator senators yearned for life were ardent supporters of Pompey and had fought at Pharsalus<ref> Jiménez, Ramon L. Caesar Against Rome: The Great Roman Civil War (New York, Praeger, 2006), p. 117</ref>. However, the dread of monarchy was so ingrained in the minds of the Roman elite that it was more powerful than gratitude and even personal feelings. Cassius the prime mover of the conspiracy was able to present the assassination of the victor of Pharsalus as tyrannicide, the killing of a tyrant. This persuaded many including Brutus return to join the plot as they saw days when it as their duty as Romans. However, was the evidence that Caesar actually wanted a return to monarchy is scanty and not conclusive. Whatever his intentions it is clear that main decision-making body in the conspirators believed that he was determined to rule as king<ref> Holland, Tom, Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic (London, Anchor Books, 2003), p 189</ref>. [[File: Ass 3.jpg|200px|thumb|left|coins celebrating Brutus and Casca, two of the leading asssassins]]

====Breakdown in relations with the Senate====While many of the conspirators were angered by the apparent pretensions of Caesar to royalty. There were many who were angered over his apparent lack of respect that he was showing the senators. Several of the conspirators were linked to senators and the plotters believed that they were acting in the name of the senate. These were technically the law givers and the ultimate source of authority in the Republic<ref>Holland, p. 197</ref>. However, Caesar treated that body in high-handed manner and often with contempt. He did not act in a respectful manner towards the senate and this alienated many and they say this as an effort to marginalize the body and to subvert the traditional form of government. Moreover, during the civil wars when Mark Anthony had governed Italy the senate had been cowed into submission and many yearned for a return to the days when it was the main decision-making body in the Republic. Moreover, many senators who had conferred honorific titles and powers on the general were shocked when he used this largely symbolic powers to cement his position in Rome.<ref>Holland, p. 199</ref>. The senators believed that the conqueror of Gaul was engaged in illegally gathering more personal power at the expense of the traditional elite and was subverting the constitution. The strained relationship between Caesar and the senate Senate was one of the factors that persuaded many that the most powerful man in the Republic Caesar had to be assassinated. For example, it led many such as Cassius to see him as a tyrant who wanted to overturn the old order and end the traditional liberties<ref>Plutarch xxi</ref>.

<div class="portal" style='float:right;width:35%"> ====Related DailyHistory.org Articles====*[[What made Julius Caesar a great general?]]*[[How did Julius Caesar rise to power?]]*[[How did Caesar's conquest of Gaul change both Rome and Gaul?]]*[[What were the consequences of Caesar's assassination?]]{{#dpl:category=Roman History|ordermethod=firstedit|order=descending|count=5}}</div>Caesar was a an incredibly divisive figure and in Rome. Still, most Romans genuinely loved him but despised he was loved by the common people and hated by the City's elite. The senatorial class and their adherents were very suspicious of him and hated Caesar. He was a member of the popular part party and related by marriage to Marius, the darling of the common people. Moreover, many hated Caesar for personal reasons , and vengeance was almost certainly a factor in the assassination on the Ides of March . <ref> Holland, p 201</ref>. He had killed many of the senatorial order and the Roman elite died during the civil wars. Friends and family members of the elite had died on many battlefields during the civil war. Many prominent and revered Romans such as Cato had committed suicide to escape having to live in a Rome dominated by one man. Moreover, Caesars policy of clemency did not reconcile the elite to him and his regime. Those whom he had pardoned after his victories continued to resent him and were instrumental in his assassination. Mercy was a characteristic of a king or a tyrant and those who accepted it were thought to be dishonoured<ref>Holland, p 210</ref>. Furthermore, in the social system of the time they had become the dependents. Individuals such as Cassius and Brutus, all pardoned by the general may have been eager to wipe away the stain on their honour, because of being granted mercy by the hated tyrant. ==Conclusion==The assassination of Caesar was carried out by a small group of members of the elite. They believed that they were acting in the best interests of the Republic and acting to preserve it. The group who killed the conqueror of the Gaul’s and Pompey were motivated by a desire to prevent Caesar from becoming a monarch. They genuinely believed that he wanted to have himself crowned king, something that would have threatened all they respected and valued in life. Caesar’s poor relations with the Senate was also a crucial factor in the unfolding of the conspiracy. His actions appeared that he was bent on destroying the old constitution and that fed into the view that he was a tyrant who wanted to ultimately re-establish royal rule in Rome. Moreover, Caesar was a divisive figure and was hated by many and his policy of clemency did not win him adherents and was to have unintended consequences.

====Additional Readings====SymeHe had killed many of the senatorial order and the Roman elite during the civil wars. Friends and family members of the elite had died on many battlefields against Caesar during the civil war. Many prominent and revered Romans such as Cato had committed suicide to escape having to live in a Rome dominated by one man. Moreover, Caesar's policy of clemency did not reconcile the elite to him and his regime. Those whom he had pardoned after his victories continued to resent him and were instrumental in his assassination. Mercy was a characteristic of a king or a tyrant and those who accepted it was thought to have been dishonored.<ref>Holland, p 210</ref> Furthermore, Ronaldin the social system of the time, The Roman Revolution (OxfordSenators had become dependent on Caesar. Ultimately Cassius and Brutus, Oxford Universitywhile pardoned by Caesar, 2002)were eager to wipe away the stain on their honor that they only lived due to the mercy of a despised autocratic ruler.

Holland, Tom, Rubicon: ====Conclusion====The Last Years assassination of Caesar was carried out by a small group of members of the elite. They believed that they were acting in the best interests of the Roman Republic (Londonand sought to preserve it. The group who killed Caesar were motivated to prevent Caesar from becoming a permanent dictator. They genuinely believed that he wanted to crown himself king of Rome. Caesar’s poor relations with the Senate was also a crucial factor in the unfolding of the conspiracy. His actions appeared that he was bent on destroying the old constitution and fed into the narrative that he was a tyrant who wanted to ultimately re-establish royal rule in Rome. Moreover, Anchor BooksCaesar was a divisive figure and was hated by many of Pompey's supporters. Instead of healing Rome, 2003)his policy of clemency failed to win him adherents and became an embarrassment for the pardoned.

====Additional Readings====* Syme, Ronald, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0192803204/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0192803204&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=a10af7542e214cda24649ca76457ed62 The Roman Revolution]</i> (Oxford, Oxford University, 2002).* Canfora, Luciano, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00720XI0A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00720XI0A&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=5de475b6b8ead57e112dcda8479acc57 Julius Caesar: The People's Dictator]</i> (Edinburg, Edinburgh University Press, 2006).* Jiménez, Ramon L., <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0275966208/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0275966208&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=20b9b0d1ca2a488932321afa4bb22afa Caesar Against Rome: The Great Roman Civil War]</i> (New York, Praeger, 2006).* Goldsworthy, AnthonyAdrian, <i>[https://www. amazon.com/gp/product/0300126891/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0300126891&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=e3d7ca205d235ca4f80c8f42d215447a Caesar: Life of a Colossus ]</i> (YaleUniversity Press, Yale 2008)* Freeman, Philip. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743289544/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0743289544&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=04b3744690637472a5e2eb2eb8dc57c6 Julius Caesar]</i>. (Simon and Schuster, 2008)* Grant, Michael. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486822192/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0486822192&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=707967b3998ed8e0ee4b02e887ee7b50 The Twelve Caesars]</i> (New York: Penguin Books, 1979)* Osgood, Josiah. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521671779/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0521671779&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=78feb0248f30b4a6c2cfaa0048334c9f Caesar's Legacy: Civil War and the Emergence of the Roman Empire]</i> (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2006)* Holland,Tom. [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400078970/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400078970&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=a25657c34ca67cbf377bd8dfbc462c2c Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic] (London, Anchor Press, 2003)* Goodman, Rob. ''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250042623/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1250042623&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=4c9157524f8c44ff12d67a6dff4613ad Rome's Last Citizen: The Life and Legacy of Cato: Mortal Enemy of Caesar]'' (St. Martin's Griffen, 2014){{MediaWiki:AmNative}}