Collection
Caesar & the Republic
One general, one river, and the end of the Republic.
- 01
cross the Rubicon (idiom)
To take a step you cannot undo.
The Rubicon, January 49 BC.
- 02
the die is cast (idiom)
The decision is made and there is no going back.
What he said at the crossing.
- 03
veni, vidi, vici (idiom)
I came, I saw, I conquered — used of a job done fast and without difficulty.
Zela, 47 BC — the war report.
- 04
Caesar's wife must be above suspicion (idiom)
People in public positions must avoid even the appearance of wrongdoing, guilty or not.
The Bona Dea scandal, 62 BC.
- 05
beware the Ides of March (idiom)
A warning that a specific day, or a trusted circle, holds danger.
Spurinna's warning, 15 March 44 BC.
- 06
Et tu, Brute? (idiom)
Said when the person betraying you is the last one you expected.
Brutus, in the Senate.
- 07
sic semper tyrannis (idiom)
Thus always to tyrants — a slogan claiming that oppressors get what is coming to them.
What the assassins told themselves.