Julius Caesar's most famous last words, as immortalized in popular culture and literature, are "Et tu, Brute?" which translates from Latin to "You too, Brutus?"
This poignant phrase is widely recognized as Caesar's final address to his trusted friend Marcus Brutus, who was among the conspirators striking him down.
The Origin of Caesar's Last Words
While "Et tu, Brute?" is universally associated with Caesar's assassination, its primary source is literary rather than a direct historical record from the moment of his death.
- Shakespeare's Portrayal: The renowned playwright William Shakespeare prominently featured this line in his tragedy The Tragedy of Julius Caesar. This play significantly cemented "Et tu, Brute?" in the popular imagination as Caesar's definitive last utterance.
- Historical Basis: Shakespeare's depiction, in turn, drew inspiration from historical accounts, notably the work of the Roman historian Suetonius. Suetonius's biographical collection, Twelve Caesars, written over 150 years after Caesar's assassination, described Caesar saying (in Greek) "Kai su, teknon?" ("You too, my child?" or "You too, son?") to Brutus. This Greek phrase is believed to be the basis for Shakespeare's Latin version.
The Assassination of Julius Caesar
The assassination of Julius Caesar occurred on the Ides of March (March 15) in 44 BC, by a group of Roman senators who feared his growing power and dictatorial tendencies. The act took place at a meeting of the Senate, where Caesar was stabbed multiple times.
Key Aspects of the Assassination:
- Conspirators: A group of approximately 60 senators, including Brutus and Cassius, conspired to kill Caesar.
- Location: The murder occurred in the Curia of Pompey, a large meeting hall within the Theatre of Pompey in Rome.
- Aftermath: Caesar's death did not restore the Roman Republic as the conspirators had hoped. Instead, it plunged Rome into a series of civil wars that ultimately led to the rise of the Roman Empire under Caesar's adopted heir, Octavian (later Augustus).
Legacy of "Et tu, Brute?"
The phrase "Et tu, Brute?" has transcended its origins to become a powerful idiom used to express surprise and dismay at an act of betrayal by a trusted friend or ally. Its enduring resonance highlights the dramatic impact of Caesar's assassination and the complex relationships involved.
