Write two paragraphs explaining a famous Roman citizen and his role in government.

Expert Answers
bullgatortail eNotes educator| Certified Educator

The name Marcus Junius Brutus (85 BC-42 BC), or simply Brutus, has become synonymous with "assassin." The son of a prominent politician who was killed by Pompey the Great, Brutus' mother later became a mistress of Julius Caesar; there is some speculation that Caesar could have been Brutus' father. Brutus eventually became friends with Caesar, who made Brutus a member of his inner circle. Caesar appointed Brutus governor of Gaul and later named him to become a praetor (magistrate).

Caesar's declaration making himself emperor for life created many enemies in the Roman Senate. Brutus was recruited to join a circle of Caesar's detractors, and Brutus eventually agreed to join in the assassination of his close friend. Carrying out their murderous plot on the Ides of March (March 15), the group attacked Caesar when he arrived at the Senate. Caesar at first defended himself, but when he saw Brutus, he threw his toga over his head, resigning himself to his fate. Although the murderers received amnesty, Brutus moved to Crete. However, when Octavian took power, he renounced the amnesties. Brutus organized an army to fight the combined forces of Octavian and Marc Antony, but Brutus' forces were defeated at the Battle of Philippi, and Brutus later committed suicide.