The Battle of Philippi (42 B.C.E.)
Historia Civilis・15 minutes read
Julius Caesar declared a god by Rome, leading to political realignment and tensions between Triumvirs and Conspirators. Hortensia leads wealthy women in a protest against new taxes, prompting Triumvirs to reduce the levy but impose other measures for revenue.
Insights
- Hortensia's protest against new taxes on wealthy Roman women, supported by Octavia and Julia, leads to a significant reduction in the tax levy by the Triumvirs, showcasing the power of public outcry in influencing political decisions.
- The misunderstanding that led to Cassius instructing his attendant to end his life during battle highlights the chaotic nature of warfare, where miscommunication and misinterpretation can have fatal consequences, ultimately shaping the outcome of conflicts.
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Who declared Julius Caesar a god?
Rome
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Summary
00:00
Rome in Turmoil: Taxes, Protests, Political Realignment
- January 1st, 42 B.C.E.: Julius Caesar declared a god by Rome, temple to be built on funeral pyre site, Marc Antony to be chief priest.
- Pivotal year for Rome, resolving split between Triumvirs and Conspirators, leading to political realignment.
- Triumvirs: Antony, Lepidus, Octavian; Conspirators: Brutus, Cassius, leading army in the east.
- Roman treasury empty, new taxes introduced on citizens due to profitable provinces in Conspirators' hands.
- New taxes included one-time levy on 1,400 wealthiest women in Rome, causing uproar.
- Hortensia leads wealthy women in protest against taxes, gains support from Octavia and Julia.
- Hortensia's powerful speech questions taxation of women, leads to brawl in Forum.
- Triumvirs reduce tax levy by over 70% due to protests, but still need revenue for legions.
- Triumvirs impose wealth tax on citizens, require Italian farmers to give half their harvest to state.
- Brutus and Cassius amass large army in Macedonia, Triumvirs raise forces in response.
15:16
"Brutus and Antony's Battle of Misunderstandings"
- Antony had a small number of soldiers behind enemy lines, while Brutus had Octavian on the run in the distance.
- Cassius, in the midst of battle, was misinformed that enemy cavalry was approaching, leading him to instruct an attendant to end his life, unaware that the cavalry belonged to Brutus coming to his aid.
- Despite Cassius's death, the battle was a draw with Antony and Brutus storming each other's camps, resulting in low casualties.
- Brutus, facing challenges due to his lack of military experience, made a deal with Cassius's legions to buy their loyalty with a cash payout and looting rights in return for their continued service under his command.
