Julius Caesar returned from the Conquest of Gaul loaded with plunder i.e. gold and slaves. He paid off the debt of every Roman, thereby freeing the hoi polloi from the tyranny of the upper classes. The Senators feared the Dictator’ rising popularity and accused Caesar of seeking the title of King.

Caesar rejected their claim, stating, Non sum Rex, sed Caesar or I am not King, I am Caesar.”

The conspirators plotted to assassinate Caesar on the Ides of March, the traditional day on which Romans paid theri debts. They chose the Senate for the location, since only senators were allowed within its chambers. The haruspex Spurinna had warned Caesar that his life was in danger up to the Ides of March. He ignored the seer and on March 1 Caesar studied Cassius with Brutus at the senate house and said to an aide, “What do you think Cassius is up to? I don’t like him, he looks pale.”

More guilty than pale.

The fix was in.

On the morning of the Ides, Caesar’s wife told her husband about a horrible dream and asked hm to stay home. He agreed, however Decimus, a trusted general, came to his house and said, “What do you say, Caesar? Will someone of your stature pay attention to a woman’s dreams and the omens of foolish men?”

Caesar was a fearless warrior and walked to the Senate. Seeing Spurinna, Caesar joked, “Well, the Ides of March have come!”

“Aye, the Ides have come,” said Spurinna, “but they are not yet gone.”

Mark Antony tried to stop the plot, but arrived at the Senate too late.

Dozens of knives slashed at Caesar. He bled to death. A victim of collective greed.

“Et tu, Brutus.”