The ancient Roman Empire was a powerful power that conquered many lands. An important role in the creation of such a large state was played by both monarchs and commanders, who, at the head of their armies, conquered foreign territories. One of the most famous of these generals is Gaius Julius Caesar. His murder is shrouded in many mysteries and secrets, but the only thing that remains unchanged is that his last words were: “And you, Brutus!” However, many are wondering why this was the last thing that came out of the mouth of the great commander and conqueror.
Mark Junius Brutus
All of Brutus' ancestors were ardent freedom fighters who defended the people from despots and actively promoted tyranny. His paternal grandfather - Lucius Junius Brutus - became a participant in the overthrow of Gaius Servillius Agala, and his father himself was killed for his views by Pompey the Great when Brutus was still a child. He was brought up by his mother's brother, a well-known warrior Quintus Servilius. Caepion.
Marc Junius Brutus participated with his uncle in many battles, speaking on the side of Pompey, opposing Caesar. It is not known why, after the defeat of Pompey's army at Pharsalus, which took place in 48 BC. e., Caesar decided to save the life of Brutus, and subsequently appointed him to several important positions at once. Already in 46 BC. e. he became proconsul, and in 44 BC. e. – praetor in Rome.
Caesar and Brutus
The ancient Roman emperor showed Brutus an obvious favor, but this only led to the fact that Caesar became the victim of an insidious conspiracy and was betrayed by a man who, it would seem, should be infinitely grateful to him. Nevertheless, Brutus became not only a participant, but also the head of the conspiracy. Gaius Cassius Longinus, who wanted to kill the dictator, became his ideological inspiration. Days of the one who said: "And you, Brutus!" - were numbered.
Conspiracy
Organizing the conspiracy, Brutus was guided not only by state motives, but also by personal ones. Caesar seduced his mother, Servilia, which disgraced and dishonored the young Roman senator. Some historians even believe that Brutus was the illegitimate son of the great commander, otherwise why would he be so sympathetic to him…
Participants in the conspiracy were also senators, dissatisfied with the fact that Caesar sought to limit the full power of this state body and turn the Roman Empire into a monarchy. According to many politicians of those times, the ideal model of the state system was the power under which all segments of the populationwould be in harmony. With such a system, the existence of a tyrannical ruler, which, according to the senators, was Caesar, is impossible.
Murder
March 15, 44 BC e. Caesar uttered his last words, which became a popular expression: "And you, Brutus!" The signal for the attack was given by the emperor's attorney, Lucius Cimber. None of the conspirators wanted to single-handedly commit the murder, so as not to take on the sin, so they agreed that each of them would strike at Caesar with a stylus, since they were not allowed into the Senate building with weapons.
After the blows of the first conspirators, the commander was still alive and tried to resist. When the turn of Brutus came to thrust the stylus into his patron, Caesar cried out with great surprise: “And you, Brutus!” - because he had no reason not to trust his pet, and he did not expect such a betrayal from him.
Even many centuries later, the words spoken by Caesar remain famous throughout the world. Plutarch, who captured them on paper, and Shakespeare, who wrote the play Julius Caesar, contributed a lot to this. The catchphrase "And you, Brutus!" still symbolizes the betrayal and treachery of a loved one.
