Caesar's Funeral (44 B.C.E.)
Historia Civilis・14 minutes read
Julius Caesar was assassinated by Roman Senators, leading to chaos, mob control, and a dramatic shift in Roman politics after his funeral, with Antony and the Conspirators facing escalating tensions and threats. Decimus, Cassius, and Brutus strategically responded and prepared for potential military action as the aftermath unfolded.
Insights
- The assassination of Julius Caesar by Roman Senators on March 15th, 44 B.C.E. led to chaos, with Antony's emotional speech at Caesar's funeral inciting the crowd to seize control, burn Caesar's body, and spark widespread hysteria in Rome.
- The aftermath of Caesar's assassination saw a dramatic shift in Roman politics, with the Conspirators facing threats from the mob and internal tensions emerging among key figures like Antony, Decimus, Cassius, and Brutus, leading to a potential military confrontation and questioning of Caesar's posthumous actions by influential figures like Cicero.
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Who assassinated Julius Caesar?
Roman Senators
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Summary
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Assassination of Julius Caesar and aftermath
- Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of Roman Senators on March 15th, 44 B.C.E.
- The Conspirators proudly displayed their blood-soaked weapons and clothing after the assassination.
- Antony, Caesar's co-Consul, disguised himself as a slave and planned his escape upon learning of Caesar's death.
- The Conspirators, led by Decimus, Cassius, and Brutus, marched to the Capitoline Hill with armed gladiators.
- Brutus emerged as the chosen leader of the Conspirators due to his lineage and public speaking skills.
- The Conspirators barricaded themselves on the Capitoline Hill, awaiting Antony and Lepidus for negotiations.
- The Senate meeting took place on the Esquiline Hill, where Antony proposed a compromise to ratify Caesar's acts.
- The Senate agreed to ratify Caesar's legislation and granted the Conspirators amnesty for Caesar's murder.
- Caesar's will revealed generous gifts to the Roman people and named Octavius as his primary heir.
- Antony's emotional speech at Caesar's funeral incited the crowd, leading to chaos and the mob taking control of Caesar's body.
16:42
"Mob burns Caesar's body, sparks chaos"
- Caesar's body was taken to the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus instead of being cremated on the Campus Martius. The mob in the Roman Forum created a makeshift pyre and burned Caesar's body, leading to mass hysteria with people throwing their belongings and valuables into the fire.
- The mob, out of control, attempted to harm the Conspirators Brutus and Cassius, who wisely went into hiding. The chaos spread throughout the city, resulting in the burning of important buildings in the Roman Forum and a dramatic shift in Roman politics after Caesar's funeral.
- Antony, as Consul, allowed soldiers to carry weapons across the pomerium but not civilians, causing tension with the Conspirators. Decimus planned to take over as governor of Cisalpine Gaul, while Cassius and Brutus retreated to the Italian countryside. Decimus communicated with Trebonius, hinting at the need to raise an army if Antony made a move. Cicero expressed distress over the situation, questioning the validity of Caesar's actions posthumously.
