Origins & Early Life

Gaius Cassius Longinus (Classical Latin: [ˈɡaːi.ʊs ˈkassi.ʊs ˈlɔŋɡɪnʊs]; c. 86 BC – 3 October 42 BC) was a Roman senator and general best known as a leading instigator of the plot to assassinate Julius Caesar on 15 March 44 BC. He was the brother-in-law of Brutus, another leader of the conspiracy. He commanded troops with Brutus during the Battle of Philippi against the combined forces of Mark Antony and Octavius, Caesar's former supporters, and died by suicide after being defeated by Mark Antony.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Cassius was elected as tribune of the plebs in 49 BC. He opposed Caesar, and eventually he commanded a fleet against him during Caesar's Civil War: after Caesar defeated Pompey in the Battle of Pharsalus, Caesar overtook Cassius and forced him to surrender. After Caesar's death, Cassius fled to the east to Syria, where he amassed an army of twelve legions. He was supported and made governor by the Senate. Later he and Brutus marched west against the allies of the Second Triumvirate.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Cassius followed the teachings of the philosopher Epicurus, although scholars debate whether or not these beliefs affected his political life. Cassius is a main character in William Shakespeare's play Julius Caesar...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Marcus Junius Brutus — Contemporary (Died in -42) (-42): Influential Roman orator and key figure in the assassination of Julius Caesar.
• Tiberius — Contemporary (Born in -42) (-42): Second Roman Emperor of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty (AD 14–37)
• Mark Antony — Contemporary figure (Born in -83) (-83): Key Roman general who transitioned the Republic into the Empire.
• Catullus — Contemporary figure (Born in -84) (-84): Master poet of the late Roman Republic, known for personal and neoteric themes.
• Surena — Contemporary figure (Born in -84) (-84): Parthian general renowned for defeating the Romans at Carrhae.
• Vercingetorix — Contemporary figure (Born in -80) (-80): Gallic chieftain who united the Gauls in a major revolt against Roman conquest.
• Vitruvius — Contemporary figure (Born in -80) (-80): Influential Roman architect and engineer, author of De architectura.
• Gaius Marius — Contemporary figure (Died in -86) (-86): Influential Roman general and statesman who served as consul seven times.
• Sima Qian — Contemporary figure (Died in -86) (-86): Father of Chinese historiography, author of the monumental Shiji.
• Sulla — Contemporary figure (Died in -78) (-78): Pivotal Roman general and statesman who established the precedent of military dictatorship.
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