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Book Review of Notorious Assassins: The Life and Legacy of Marcus Brutus

Notorious Assassins: The Life and Legacy of Marcus Brutus
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Because of Julius Ceasar's last words, Brutus' name became immortal. Brutus was the son of Marcus Junius Brutus (who was killed by Pompey the Great n 77 BCE). After his adoption by an uncle, he was commonly called Quintus Caepio Brutus.

Cato and his half-nephew Brutus went on a conquest of Cyprus for Rome. While there Brutus amassed a fortune, possibly by lending money at high interest rates (at this point, it was not looked upon as a worthy profession, but it was not looked down upon -- as it would be later in history).

This money and Brutus' marriage gave him entree into the Senate. While Caesar and Pompey the Great were grappling for power in Rome, the senators were worried about civil war. Pompey and many of the senators fought to restore the Republic. However, they lost, and Caesar became dictator until his death in 44 BCE.

Hoping to bring back the Roman Republic, Brutus and Cassius fought against Octavian and Mark Antony. Cassius lost against Mark Antony and committed suicide in 42 BCE. At the second Battle of Fillipi (Greece), Brutus was crushed by Antony and Octavian. He committed suicide also.


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