Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger

Marcus Junius Brutus the Younger, (early June 85 BC – October 23 42 BC) better known simply as Brutus was a Roman Politician during the late years of the Roman Republic. His legacy is best preserved in William Shakespears The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. Brutus took part in a conspiracy to murder Julius Caesar, who had been apointed Dictator for Life. Brutus, and associates where sucessful yet soon after began to fight among each other. Brutus, his forces surrounded, commited suicide on October 23, 42 BC. Brutus is often considered a tragic hero, a man with good intentions who ultimately was drawn into deeds that lead to his demise.

Early Life
Brutus was born to Marcus Junius Brutus the Senior on June 85 BC. In 58 BC he became an assistant to Governor Cato of Cyprus. In 53 he became Quastor (Cheif Financial Officer) of Cilicia. He made his fortune by way of money lending, at high interest. He returned to Rome where he married Claudia Pulchra, and entered the senate aligning himself with the Opitmates, or Good Men, faction. At the time a triumvate existed of Julius, Pompey, and Marcus.

Senate Carreer
A civil war erupted between Julius, and Pompey. Brutus went to Greece in support of Pompey, leader of the Opitmates, and semi-rival of Brutus as the two did not see eye to eye on certain issues. Julius at the time must have known Brutus as he instructed his troops to not harm Brutus, unless he resisted capture. Brutus was pardoned by Julius, and allowed by him to continue his political career, even appointing him governor of Gaul. Brutus wrote letters of deep appology for his actions. Brutus became part of Caesar's inner circle, and they often discussed politics. In June 45 BC Brutus divorced his wife to marry his first cousin, Porcia Catonis. He was also nominated by Caesar to hold the office of Urban Preator (military leader, and magistrate, comparable to the chief of police having judicial, and executive powers), but did not aquire the position.

The Assassination
Members of the senate became concerned over Caesar's rapid rise to power, and his every growing king like behavior. Brutus was contacted by fellow senators, where he was drawn into the conspiracy to kill Caesar. His wife, became the only woman who was in on the plot. On March 15, he waited in the senate with fellow assassins. Caesar was late to arrive, and his associates where becoming nervious, yet, despite recieving words that might have changed his mind, Brutus convinced others to remain. When Caesar arrived the assassins struck, at this point Brutus is said to have cried out; "Sic semper tyrannis!" (Thus ever to tyrants!), with the group stabbing Julius a total of 23 times. Many senators fled upon witnessing this. Brutus is said to have stepped forwards, to speak to those who remained yet before he coudl utter a word they too fled. According to Plutarch; Brutus, and the others marched outside, and cried out; "People of Rome, we are again free!" yet where met with utter silence, and empty streets as word of the act had spread though out the city, and the people had barred themselves in home.

Battle of Philipi
After recieving word that

Political Views
Specifics concerning Brutus's views are hard to come by. It is generally understood that while he was a member of the Opitmates, they had some disagreements. The Opitmates where a faction that desired to maintain power centered in the senate. The senate composed of members of the aristocracy. They opposed the Populares, a faction that desired to extend power to the Plebs (common free men) through the Popular Assemblies, and Tribune of Plebs. The members of the two opposing factions however found common ground when it came to Caesar, who though carrying the people's favor, continued to dimish their political voice. The members of both factions who took part in the conspiracy called themselves the Liberatores.

Brutus seems to have been a moderate, having one foot in with the Populares, and another with the Opitmates. According to some sources his friction with his fellow Opitmates came from his belief that the aristocracy are the inherint servants of the people. He believed their vast wealth should be used to create public facilities such as libuaries, and centers of learning.

Notable Quotes
"Sic semper tyrannis!" (Thus ever to tyrants!) upon assaulting Julius Caesar. The phrase is the motto of Virginia, and was uttered by John Wilks Booth upon the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.