National Brutus Day

Have you ever trusted someone only to have them turn on you? It's a tough pill to swallow, but it helps you learn who your true friends are.

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Position March as a moment to reflect on trust, loyalty, and authentic relationships—ideal for thought leadership, educational content, and community-building campaigns.

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'Who is your Brutus?' trust-and-betrayal storytelling campaigns
Educational deep-dives into historical figures and lessons on loyalty
Workplace culture content on building trust and identifying true allies
Relationship advice and psychology content tied to famous betrayals

History

Let’s start by talking a little about the man, and how he became the world’s most famous betrayer second only to that slayer of messiahs.

It is first important to understand that his history is plagued from intrigue straight from his birth. You see, though Caesar was only 15 at the time, there were rumors that it was Caesar who fathered Brutus, rather than Marcus Junius Brutus Major.

This rumor was in part fueled by the questionable circumstances of his father’s death while participating in the Lepidian revolution. Quintus Servilius Caepio, his uncle, took over the responsibilities of raising him in 59 BC.

So how did he come into Caesar’s confidence and become so close a friend that his betrayal shocked his dear friend to the core? The explanation comes best, perhaps, at an examination of our own lives and experiences.

Sometimes we know that those we call our friends are not, perhaps, the best of people. While we may adore them as our friend, their choices and actions as pertains to others we may not approve of.

This is where Brutus found himself, a dear friend he could not counsel away from madness had to be put down for the good of the nation he ruled. It is this conundrum that casts questions on whether Brutus was hero, villain, martyr, or betrayer. Perhaps each in equal measure.

Now that you know a bit about the history of the man himself, let’s take a look at the actual day. Ruth and Thomas Roy of Wellcat Holidays established National Brutus Day.

You may have seen their names on this website a few times, as they have created a number of days of observance. The day is to remind us that while backstabbing may have taken form for different end goals in Ancient Rome, it is still very much a thing to be concerned about today!

FAQ

Did Marcus Junius Brutus have a personal motive for assassinating Julius Caesar?

While Brutus publicly claimed to act for the Republic’s sake, personal factors influenced his decision. His mother, Servilia, was Caesar’s longtime lover, leading to complex family dynamics. Additionally, Brutus’s political ambitions and philosophical beliefs about tyranny played roles in his participation in the assassination.

How did the term “Et tu, Brute?” become associated with betrayal?

The phrase “Et tu, Brute?” meaning “And you, Brutus?” originates from William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar. In the play, Caesar utters these words upon recognizing Brutus among his assassins, highlighting the depth of his betrayal. This line has since symbolized ultimate treachery by a trusted friend.

What role did Decimus Brutus play in Caesar’s assassination?

Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, a lesser-known conspirator, played a crucial role by persuading Caesar to attend the Senate on the Ides of March, despite warnings. His close relationship with Caesar made his betrayal particularly impactful.

How has Brutus been portrayed in art and literature over the centuries?

Brutus has been depicted variously as a patriot, traitor, and tragic hero. In Dante’s Inferno, he resides in the lowest circle of Hell. Conversely, Shakespeare presents him as a conflicted character torn between loyalty and duty.

Are there any myths or misconceptions about Brutus’s involvement in Caesar’s death?

A common misconception is that Brutus was the sole mastermind. In reality, he was part of a larger conspiracy involving multiple senators, each with their own motives. Additionally, the famous line “Et tu, Brute?” is a dramatization by Shakespeare; historical accounts do not record Caesar’s exact last words.

How did the assassination of Caesar impact the Roman Republic?

Instead of restoring the Republic, Caesar’s assassination plunged Rome into civil wars, leading to the rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus. The power vacuum and ensuing conflicts marked the end of the Roman Republic.

How did Roman society view Brutus after the assassination?

Opinions were divided. Some saw him as a defender of the Republic, while others viewed him as a traitor. Over time, his legacy became a subject of debate among historians and scholars.

Are there any notable descendants or historical figures related to Brutus?

Brutus was a descendant of Lucius Junius Brutus, who, according to legend, founded the Roman Republic by overthrowing the last king of Rome. This ancestral connection may have influenced his actions against Caesar.

What was the significance of Brutus’s coinage after Caesar’s assassination?

After Caesar’s assassination, Brutus minted coins depicting a pair of daggers and the cap of liberty, symbolizing the supposed liberation of Rome from tyranny. These coins, known as the Eid Mar denarius, became iconic but also controversial, as they directly celebrated the murder of Caesar. Today, they are considered rare and highly valuable artifacts.

Did the assassination of Julius Caesar influence political thought in later eras?

The assassination of Caesar has been a powerful symbol in political discourse, often invoked to discuss tyranny and betrayal. During the Enlightenment, thinkers like Rousseau and Voltaire debated the morality of tyrannicide, referencing Brutus’s act. In modern times, it’s still used as a metaphor for the complexities of power, loyalty, and justice.