Assassination Date and Location: The assassination took place on the Ides of March, March 15, 44 BCE, at the Theatre of Pompey in Rome.
Conspiracy: It was a planned conspiracy involving a group of Roman senators, politicians, and military figures who feared Caesar's growing power and ambition. Key conspirators included Marcus Junius Brutus, Gaius Cassius Longinus, Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, and others.
The Reason for Assassination: The senators were concerned that Caesar's quest for absolute power would ultimately lead to the end of the Roman Republic and the establishment of a monarchy or dictatorship. They feared that Caesar's authoritarian rule would deprive the Roman Senate and the people of their liberty.
Number of Conspirators: The number of conspirators is uncertain, but various accounts estimate that there were between 60 and 80 senators and military figures involved.
Method of Assassination: The conspirators used daggers to stab Caesar. He was stabbed multiple times by the group of conspirators, including Marcus Brutus, who was considered one of Caesar's closest friends. According to some accounts, Caesar cried out to Brutus, "Even you, my son," upon seeing him among his assassins.
Aftermath: Caesar's death sparked civil war in Rome. His supporters, led by Mark Antony and Octavian (later known as Caesar Augustus), sought revenge against the assassins and began a series of military and political conflicts. These conflicts culminated in the Battle of Philippi in 42 BCE and eventually led to the formation of the Roman Empire under Augustus Caesar.
Casca's Signal: Casca was one of the conspirators who made the first move by stabbing Caesar in the neck. It was pre-arranged that when Casca made the first strike, he would use his cloak to conceal his sword and give a pre-arranged signal. Other conspirators would then charge at Caesar and join in the assassination.
Caesar's Last Words: The exact last words of Julius Caesar are uncertain. Some sources suggest he uttered "Et tu, Brute?" ("You too, Brutus?") as a betrayal. However, the authenticity of these last words is debated among historians.
Legacy: The assassination of Julius Caesar marked the end of the Roman Republic and paved the way for the establishment of the Roman Empire. It remains a pivotal event in Roman history, often studied as an example of political intrigue and the consequences of unchecked ambition and tyrannical tendencies in leaders.