Julius Caesar, Rome's dictator and renowned military leader, was assassinated on 15 March 44 BCE during a Senate session at the Theatre of Pompey. The attack was carried out by a group of senators led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus.
The conspirators stabbed Caesar over 20 times, citing fears of his growing power and threat to the Republic’s democratic traditions. Eyewitnesses report Caesar's final words were directed at Brutus: "Et tu, Brute?" before he collapsed at the base of Pompey’s statue.
The assassination has left Rome in upheaval, with Caesar's allies, including Mark Antony, condemning the act and vowing revenge. Meanwhile, the conspirators defend their actions as necessary to preserve the Republic, sparking uncertainty and tension across the city.
