Duty, pride, jealously – what ever Brutus’ motives he abused Caesar’s misplaced trust and conspired to butcher the would-be monarch under the watchful eyes of Pompey’s statue.

Caesar had doubtless exhibited signs of his desire to preside over the Roman people alone. In time the Senate would become a mere talk-shop of oppressed Optimates who increasingly relied on the Princeps for their position. Reported failures to observe respectful formalities to the Senate and people of Rome increasingly led credence to the notion that Caesar sought to consolidate his power further, and become ‘king’ of Rome. His dubious relationship with the barbaric Cleopatra added further speculation to his intentions to unite the empire under his tyrannical regime. As Shotter highlights the situation was exasperated by Cato’s suicide, “Cato decided that he could no longer bear the travesty of Caesar’s republic. From this point on, Caesar’s assassination was inevitable”.

Brutus had sided with the Optimates at Pharsalus, but Caesar had spared his old friend, for mercy is an admirable virtue. Perhaps Brutus vowed to avenge his cowardice on the battlefield by murdering the Dictator of Rome?

Yet Plutarch seems to believe that his personal pride coupled with the influence of Cassius were also responsible for his decision to slay Caesar, in the name of the Republic. Insulting messages scrawled on the eternal city’s walls also reminded Brutus that the people looked to him to champion their cause, and liberate them from Caesar’s unconstitutional Dictatorship.

It is interesting that although Brutus, as a close friend of Caesars, stood to gain from his strong relationship with the Princeps, he felt compelled to end Caesar’s Dominatio and place himself in potential jeopardy. Yet perhaps Brutus thought he was taking no risk at all? There was clearly strong public sentiment against Caesar, he had after all forced his way to power, but what was the alternative by this stage? Brutus and his fellow conspirators had made no allowances for the vacuum Caesars death would inevitably create.

The momentum of events had now gripped Brutus, there was no turning back, Caesar had to be removed at all costs. Brutus could see Caesars growing lust for ultimate power, he could hear Republican cries for him to act. Brutus, like his illustrious ancestor, would be the champion of the people – unfortunately for him it didn’t work out that way.