‘Et Tu Brute?’ The Other Brutus, Whose Betrayal Shocked Caesar
Shakespeare may have confused Brutus with his cousin Decimus Brutus
The assassination of Julius Caesar is one of the most discussed incidents in ancient history. It intrigues scholars and enthusiasts alike.
The dialogue “Et tu Brute? Then fall Caesar” is immortalized in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. The Roman leader resisted his assailants but gave up when he spotted his close friend Brutus among them.
But was Caesar surprised by Brutus’ treachery?
Caesar most likely did not say “Et Tu Brute” since Brutus was not as close to him as Shakespeare imagined.
Marcus Junius Brutus, also known as Brutus, was a politician who opposed Caesar during the Roman Civil War. Brutus fervently believed in republican principles and opposed the idea of a dictator for life. Thus, it is not surprising that Brutus was Caesar’s assassin.
Shakespeare may have confused Brutus with his distant cousin, Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, also known as Decimus Brutus.
Decimus Brutus was Caesar’s close friend, and they dined together the night before the assassination. Caesar must have been stunned by his betrayal because their bond was similar to that of a father and…
