The assassination of the Roman general and statesman Julius Caesar was foretold in various ways, according to historical accounts, most notably by the seer Spurinna. Caesar was warned of a great danger that would come to him no later than the Ides of March. This warning is famously documented by ancient historians, including Suetonius and Plutarch.
According to Plutarch (the Greek biographer and essayist), a soothsayer named Spurinna cautioned Caesar that his life would be in great danger for a period ending on the Ides of March (March 15). On the day of his assassination, Caesar is said to have joked with Spurinna, noting that the Ides of March had come and yet he was alive. Spurinna reportedly replied, “Yes, they have come, but they are not yet gone.”
Additionally, it is reported that Caesar experienced ominous dreams the night before his assassination, and his wife, Calpurnia, also had nightmares about his death, leading her to urge Caesar not to attend the Senate meeting on that day.
A Dictator
Julius Caesar’s newly announced political strategy involved the centralisation of power and the establishment of a form of dictatorship, though it’s important to contextualise these terms within the historical and political landscape of the late Roman Republic.
Centralization of Power:
Caesar sought to consolidate authority under his direct control, which was a significant shift from the more distributed power structure of the Roman Republic. Through military conquests, political alliances, and reforms, he accumulated unprecedented powers. His actions, such as the appointment to various positions like consul and dictator, allowed him to wield substantial influence over Rome’s military, financial, and administrative affairs.
Dictatorship:
The term “dictator” in the context of the Roman Republic did not initially carry the modern connotations of tyranny and oppression. It referred to a temporary position granted in times of crisis, with the dictator holding supreme authority for a limited period. However, Caesar’s dictatorship was different in both duration and scope. He was named dictator multiple times, culminating in his appointment as “dictator perpetuo” (dictator for life) in 44 BC. This was unprecedented and signaled a significant departure from the republican ideals of shared and temporary power.
While these strategies were effective in bringing about many changes and reforms, they also concentrated power in a way that alarmed many contemporaries, leading to his assassination by those who feared the loss of the Republic’s traditional governance structures. Caesar’s approach laid the groundwork for the transition from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire, with his adopted heir Augustus (Octavian) formally establishing the imperial system.
Achievements
On one hand, Caesar is celebrated for expanding the Roman Republic through his conquests, notably in Gaul (modern France and Belgium), and for initiating reforms that improved the lives of Roman citizens. These reforms included reorganizing the calendar (leading to the Julian calendar), restructuring debts, and reforming the administration of cities in the republic.
On the other hand, Caesar’s accumulation of power is viewed by some historians as corrupt or tyrannical. He bypassed or directly challenged the traditional republican institutions of Rome, accepting titles and honors that concentrated power in his hands. His appointment as “dictator for life” was seen by many contemporaries as a move towards monarchy, undermining the Republic’s principles.
The culmination of these actions led to his assassination on the Ides of March in 44 BC by a group of senators. This act was motivated by a desire to restore republican governance, but ironically, it led to a series of civil wars and the eventual establishment of the Roman Empire under his adopted heir, Augustus.
Therefore, assessments of Caesar’s rule often depend on the perspective, he can be seen as a visionary leader who brought about necessary change and expansion, or as a power-hungry ruler who paved the way for the end of the Roman Republic.