Julius Caesar was a popular Roman general who conquered Gaul but made enemies in the Senate, including Pompey. On the Ides of March in 44 BC, Caesar ignored warnings from his wife and a soothsayer. At a Senate meeting, over 60 conspirators led by Brutus and Cassius stabbed and killed Caesar with 23 dagger blows, betraying his trust.

1. Julius Caesar Why was Caesar murdered?

3. Had led his army to conquer the whole of Gaul

4. Had sent an expedition over to Britain

5. Was a popular hero with his troops and with the ordinary people of Rome

7. The Senate disliked Caesar and supported Pompey – they ordered Caesar to get rid of his army

8. Caesar ignored them and defeated Pompey in battle

9. Caesar then took over Rome as ‘Dictator for Life’

11. The night before his murder his wife Calpurnia has a nightmare and begs him not to go to the Senate

17. More than 60 conspirators wait for Caesar in the Senate

18. The conspirators, all senators, are led by Brutus and Cassius

19. With daggers concealed under their togas they murder Caesar, stabbing him at least 23 times

20. Caesar says to his friend Brutus ‘You, too, my child.’