Did Cicero Stab Julius Caesar? Unveiling the Truth Behind This Misconception

The idea that Cicero, the renowned Roman statesman and philosopher, stabbed Julius Caesar is a common misconception. While Cicero played a significant role in Roman politics and frequently criticized Caesar, there is no evidence to suggest he was directly involved in the assassination plot. This article delves into the truth behind this misconception and explores Cicero's relationship with Caesar.

The Assassination of Julius Caesar

The assassination of Julius Caesar occurred on March 15, 44 BCE, and was carried out by a group of Roman senators, notably Marcus Junius Brutus and Marcus Tullius Cicero, among others. While Cicero was indeed a prominent senator and a critic of Caesar, his involvement in the assassination was minimal.

Cicero was known for his oratorical skill and political acumen. He often opposed Caesar, recognizing the latter's growing power. However, his stance was complex and not always aligned with his behavior. In the aftermath of Caesar's assassination, Cicero lamented that had he been involved, he would have made sure that Mark Antony also met his end. But, the historical record does not support the notion that he was a part of the assassination plot.

The Misconception and Its Source

The belief that Cicero stabbed Julius Caesar likely stems from Cicero's famous letter to Brutus. In this letter, written after the assassination, Cicero expressed regret over not being involved in the plot. He stated, ‘If only I had been there on the Ides of March!’ and jokingly added, ‘I would have made sure that there were no leftovers’—a metaphor implying Mark Antony’s death as well. This statement has often been misinterpreted as a direct involvement in the assassination.

It is important to note that Cicero's involvement was merely rhetorical rather than actual. The conspirators may have excluded him because they believed he would struggle to keep the plot a secret, given his habit of speaking candidly and sharing information freely. The evidence suggests that Cicero only found out about the assassination plot after it had taken place.

Post-Caesarian Period

Following Caesar's death, Cicero's relationship with Mark Antony deteriorated. He criticized Antony harshly when Antony rebelled against the Senate. As a result, Cicero was included in the proscription list, a list of people deemed enemies of the state who were targeted for assassination. On December 43 BCE, Cicero was killed by Antony's forces, highlighting the consequences of his political stance and actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cicero was not the assassin who stabbed Julius Caesar. His involvement in the events surrounding Caesar's assassination was limited to expressing his regret through a letter and his opposition to Antony. The misconception likely arose from a misinterpretation of his letters and political actions. Understanding the historical context helps to clarify the complex relationships and events of this period in Roman history.

By dispelling this misunderstanding, we gain a clearer picture of Cicero's role and his influence in Roman politics, away from the shadow of Caesar's assassination. His legacy as a political figure and orator is better preserved in this accurate portrayal.