Military & Warriors · Ancient World
Julius Caesar’s Last Words
“Et tu, Brute? (And you, Brutus?)”— Julius Caesar, March 15, 44 BC
Who Was Julius Caesar?
Julius Caesar was a brilliant military general and politician who conquered Gaul, crossed the Rubicon, and made himself dictator of Rome. His assassination triggered a civil war that ended the Roman Republic.
The Final Moments
Caesar was stabbed 23 times in the Senate chamber on the Ides of March by a group of conspirators led by Brutus and Cassius. He reportedly covered his face with his toga as he fell.
Are These Words Verified?
'Et tu, Brute' is from Shakespeare, not history. Suetonius wrote Caesar said nothing or possibly 'καὶ σύ, τέκνον' (And you, child?) in Greek, but wrote 150 years after the event.
Sources
- academic Suetonius' The Twelve Caesars
- academic Plutarch's Lives
- academic Cassius Dio's Roman History
Legacy
Caesar's assassination triggered the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire. His name became synonymous with supreme power in languages from Kaiser to Tsar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Julius Caesar’s last words?
“Et tu, Brute? (And you, Brutus?)”
How did Julius Caesar die?
Julius Caesar died on March 15, 44 BC at the age of 55. Cause of death: Assassination (23 stab wounds).
Were Julius Caesar’s last words documented?
'Et tu, Brute' is from Shakespeare, not history. Suetonius wrote Caesar said nothing or possibly 'καὶ σύ, τέκνον' (And you, child?) in Greek, but wrote 150 years after the event.
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