BRUTUS
Brutus Marcus
Junius, celebrated Roman, born in 85 B. C.; committed suicide in 42; at the age
of 43.
In early manhood
he was devoted exclusively to literary pursuits and did not interest himself in
the political discussions of Rome until he
had attained a mature age. During the civil war between Pompey and Caesar he
sympathized with the former, but after the Battle of Pharsalia he became
friendly with Caesar and was made governor of Cisalpine Gaul, and later of
Macedonia.
After returning to
Rome, he was divorced from his wife with the design of marrying Portia,
daughter of Cato, of whom he was a supporter. Later he was influenced by Cassius to
join the conspiracy against Caesar, which ended
in his assassination. However, the people were enraged at Caesar's death
and Brutus fled from Rome and later
from Italy.
He was successful
in joining Cassius and subjugating the Lycians and Rhodians. The
triumvirs, Octavianus, Antony, and Lepidus, successfully occupied Rome and
organized to defeat the conspirators. Brutus and Cassius, having
gathered a large army in Asia Minor, crossed the Hellespont and fortified
themselves at Philippi in Macedonia. Antony completely defeated Cassius.
Octavianus, though defeated temporarily, succeeded in gaining a victory
over Brutus. When his ultimate defeat became apparent, he fell
upon his sword, which was held by his friend Strabo, and thus ended his life.
In speaking of Brutus, Shakespeare alludes to him as "the greatest Roman
of them all." Unhappily, this estimate of his life will not bear scrutiny.
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