Under the Domination of Caesar (49–44)

Abstract

The civil wars of 49–45 killed many leaders. Caesar spared and employed ex-Pompeians, including Brutus and Cassius. Life in Italy was unsettled. Caesar was popular with the People, but many in the senatorial class accused him of behaving like a tyrant, a king, and a master of slaves. Brutus made a political statement by taking Porcia, Cato’s daughter, as his new wife. Servilia did not get on with her. Brutus joined the conspiracy led by C. Cassius and D. Brutus. The plotters’ motives were mixed. Servilia probably knew nothing.