Brutus Day is on the Ides of March — March 15 — and it’s observed in remembrance of the betrayal committed by a loyal and trusted friend. Did you know that Marcus Junius Brutus was a leader of the conspiracy to murder Julius Caesar? Brutus Day is named after Brutus, a Roman general that rose to acclaim during Caesar’s reign. Caesar had confidence in his general and friend who performed an act that placed him on the same pedestal as Judas Iscariot. Brutus Day serves as a reminder that backstabbers still exist today.
History of Brutus Day
The events that led up to the historical Ides of March, the day of Julius Caesar’s assassination, date back to 44 B.C. in ancient Rome. The conspiracy to murder Caesar began with Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus, a Roman general, senator, and elder statesman. Longinus had several reasons to want Caesar out of the way, but chief among them was his fear of Caesar’s dangerous ambition — his desire to become the paramount ruler of the Roman empire. Despite Cassius’ wealth and power, he lacked the influence and authority required to bring his conspiracy to fruition. That is why he and his small circle approached Brutus.
Aside from being Caesar’s friend, Brutus was from a long line of Roman statesmen who reached the height of their political careers during their time. All these combined made Brutus the perfect person to ensure the success of the conspiracy. Through public shaming and close associates’ persuasion, Longinus convinced Brutus to join his cause. Brutus later recruited his cousin, Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, a close confidant of Caesar. In February 44 B.C., the three men began actively bringing men of acclaim — senators — to the conspiracy. These include Gaius Trebonius, Publius Casca, and Servius Sulpicius Galba. After several meetings and deliberations, the conspirators decide to kill Caesar at a senate session on the Ides of March.
According to Plutarch, Caesar spurned several warnings about his potential death at the Senate on the Ides of March, including one from Spurinna, a soothsayer. Caesar did have doubts at the last minute, the conspirators sent Albinus to convince him that all was well and he might lose face if he didn’t show up at the Senate House. That changed Caesar’s mind and Albinus lured his dear friend to death. This event marked the first great act of betrayal of Brutus Day. After settling down in the Senate, the conspirators strategically surrounded Caesar and proceeded to stab him with the knives hidden in their togas. Caesar tried to defend himself initially but gave up after noticing his friend, Brutus. That marked the great act of betrayal of Brutus Day.
Brutus Day timeline
Gaius Cassius Longinus approaches Marcus Junius Brutus with the idea of murdering Julius Caesar.
Brutus, Longinus, and Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus start recruiting other senators to join their cause.
Albinus convinces Caesar to show up at the Senate House.
The conspirators surround Caesar on the Senate floor and stab him.
Brutus Day FAQs
What happened to Brutus?
Marcus Brutus committed suicide after Antony and Octavian defeated him at the Second Battle of Philippi.
What is the meaning behind the Ides of March?
The Ides of March refers to the first new moon of March, which occurs between March 13 and 15. This period is usually a sacred one and is marked by religious activities and festivals. The term “Beware the Ides of March” came into being after the assassination of Caesar.
Who was Marcus Brutus to Julius Caesar?
Brutus was a Roman general from one of the most respectable families in Rome. He was among Caesar’s close circle — a trusted confidant — but he became a leading conspirator in his death.
How to Observe Brutus Day
Break ties
Brutus Day is a day for you to end all bad relationships and break ties with people that don’t have your best interest in mind. That can be among your friends or at your work colleagues. If you have been getting bad vibes from the person, end the relationship.
Build a healthy relationship
One of the pinnacles of a healthy relationship is trust. You can use this Brutus Day to review your relationships and introduce activities to build trust. That could be a weekly lunch or dinner, sharing inner thoughts, learning more about the other person, and showing appreciation more often. Where Caesar and Brutus failed, you and your friend can succeed.
Learn the laws of power
Marcus Brutus assumed that to get out of the shadow of Julius Caesar, he needed to have Caesar murdered. He didn’t understand the laws of power, so he failed woefully. Use this Brutus Day to learn the teachable moments that apply in your personal and professional life. Don’t follow the footsteps of Brutus in conspiring for others’ downfall.
5 Fascinating Facts About Ancient Rome
It had hundreds of amphitheaters
There were 230 amphitheaters for gladiator battles, venationes, and executions.
It had the largest city population
Rome was the first country to have a population of 1,000,0000 in a 2nd century B.C. census.
It dominated Europe for over 700 years
The Roman Empire ruled over many European, African, and Asian countries for over 700 years.
It had the world’s largest stadium
The Circus Maximus was built in the 6th century B.C.was the grandest of the era.
Ancient Romans were polytheistic
Ancient Romans worshiped various gods and even adopted gods from the Greeks and Egyptians.
Why Brutus Day is Important
Brutus Day advises caution
Brutus Day is an annual reminder that people like Brutus still exist today. Therefore, you need to be cautious about who you give your confidence to and allow into your inner circle.
Brutus Day shows the aftermath of betrayal
Almost everyone who conspired in Julius Caesar's assassination died prematurely. Brutus and Longinus, the two main conspirators, committed suicide to avoid justice in the hands of Antony and Octavian. These show that there’s no happy ending to betrayal, and the offended will do anything possible to ensure justice.
Brutus Day encourages a healthy relationship
Brutus Day stresses the importance of building a healthy relationship with your significant other, friends, and coworkers. By constantly practicing all the elements of a healthy relationship with the other person, you can prevent issues such as mistrust and betrayal. And for those that you can’t have a good relationship with, you discard them.
Brutus Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | March 15 | Saturday |
| 2026 | March 15 | Sunday |
| 2027 | March 15 | Monday |
| 2028 | March 15 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | March 15 | Thursday |
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