On the Ides of March, 44 BCE, the heart of the Roman Republic stopped beating.
Julius Caesar—general, statesman, dictator—was stabbed 23 times by the very senators he once called allies. But why did one of history’s most powerful and popular leaders fall to a brutal conspiracy? And how did his death ignite the chain of events that led to the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire?
In this documentary, The Historical Cut explores the story behind Caesar’s assassination. More than just a murder, this was a carefully orchestrated political act—one rooted in fear, honor, betrayal, and ambition. From his controversial reforms to the enemies he made along the way, we trace Caesar’s final days and the fateful morning he walked into the Theatre of Pompey for the last time.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
The rise of Julius Caesar: How he gained extraordinary power
The political and personal rivalries within the Roman Senate
The motivations of Brutus, Cassius, and the other conspirators
How the Roman public reacted to Caesar’s death
The immediate aftermath and descent into civil war
How Caesar’s fall led to the rise of Augustus and the birth of the Empire
We go beyond the myth of Caesar’s death to uncover the real dynamics of Roman power politics, personal loyalties, and how one man’s ambition reshaped the ancient world.
Why did they kill Caesar?
Caesar’s growing influence and accumulation of titles alarmed the Roman elite. By appointing himself "dictator for life," he crossed a line many believed endangered the republic. But it wasn’t just politics—some saw Caesar’s reforms, land redistribution, and disregard for traditional institutions as dangerous.
The conspirators believed they were saving Rome. What they didn’t realize was that in killing Caesar, they unleashed the very chaos they feared most.
Where was Julius Caesar assassinated?
Many assume Caesar was killed inside the Roman Senate building, but he was actually assassinated at the Theatre of Pompey, a temporary location used while the Senate was under repair. Surrounded by dozens of senators, he was attacked and stabbed repeatedly under the statue of Pompey—a symbol of Rome’s fractured politics.
What happened after Caesar’s death?
Far from restoring the Republic, Caesar’s assassination plunged Rome into a bloody civil war. His adopted heir, Octavian (later Augustus), and loyal general Mark Antony clashed with the conspirators in a fight for control. Ultimately, Octavian rose victorious and established the Roman Empire, ending the centuries-old Republic forever.
Why this story still matters
The assassination of Julius Caesar is more than ancient history—it’s a timeless cautionary tale about power, loyalty, and unintended consequences. It has inspired countless adaptations in literature, film, and art, and remains one of the most studied events in Western civilization.
At The Historical Cut, we believe in uncovering the stories behind history’s most dramatic moments. This isn’t just about what happened—it's about understanding why it mattered, and how it shaped the world we live in today.
Explore more from our history series
Like this video? Check out our other in-depth documentaries:
Hannibal’s Gamble: How One Man Almost Destroyed Rome
The Fall of the Berlin Wall: The Day the Cold War Ended
The Black Death: How One Plague Changed Everything
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