When Julius Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March in 44 BCE, he didn’t go down without a fight. According to historical accounts, the Roman dictator was stabbed 23 times by a group of senators, but only one of those wounds proved fatal. The rest were either superficial or missed vital organs, showcasing both the chaos of the attack and Caesar’s resilience.
The assassination took place in the Theatre of Pompey, where Caesar was lured under the pretense of reviewing petitions. As the senators surrounded him, they struck in a frenzied attack. The first blow, delivered by Casca, was deflected by Caesar, who reportedly said, “Casca, you villain, what are you doing?” The rest of the conspirators joined in, stabbing him repeatedly.
Modern forensic analysis suggests that most of the wounds were shallow, likely because the attackers were inexperienced and nervous. Only one stab, to the chest, pierced Caesar’s aorta, causing fatal bleeding. This single wound ended the life of one of history’s most influential figures, while the others served as gruesome overkill.
The assassination was meant to restore the Roman Republic, but it backfired spectacularly. Instead of saving the Republic, Caesar’s death plunged Rome into civil war, leading to the rise of the Roman Empire under his adopted heir, Octavian (later Augustus). The conspirators, including Brutus and Cassius, were hunted down and killed, their names forever tied to betrayal.
Caesar’s death also left a lasting legacy in medicine. The term “Caesarean section” is often mistakenly linked to his birth, though historical evidence suggests his mother, Aurelia, lived long after his delivery. Still, the story persists, adding another layer to his larger-than-life myth.
So, next time you hear “Et tu, Brute?” remember Julius Caesar. He survived 23 stabs, but the 24th changed history. And if you ever feel overwhelmed by a tough day, consider this: at least no one’s stabbing you 24 times. Probably.
