Gaius Cassius Longinus

Cassius was elected tribune of the plebs in 49 BC and set himself against Caesar, commanding a fleet during the civil war until Caesar's victory at Pharsalus forced his surrender. After the assassination on 15 March 44 BC — a conspiracy he instigated alongside his brother-in-law Brutus — he fled east to Syria, raised twelve legions, and won Senate backing as governor. He and Brutus marched west to face the Second Triumvirate's forces at Philippi in 42 BC, where Mark Antony's troops broke his line. Cassius died by suicide on 3 October, hours after the defeat. A follower of Epicurus in philosoph…