The Ancients What if the Ides of March Failed?
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Mar 19, 2026 
Dr Hannah Cornwell, Associate Professor in Ancient History at the University of Birmingham, unpacks Julius Caesar’s plans and personality. She walks through his slated eastern campaigns, looming reforms, and relationships with allies like Cleopatra. Short, sharp scenes imagine his military aims, political honours, and the ripple effects had his assassination failed.
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Caesar's Sudden End And Lost Eastern Plans
- Julius Caesar's assassination on the Ides of March 44 BC removed a leader who combined military genius with sweeping political control.
- He arrived at the Senate despite bad omens and was stabbed 23 times, with one blow fatal, ending plans for eastern campaigns.
Dictator Perpetuo Broke Republican Norms
- By 44 BC Caesar held multiple unprecedented powers: consul, Pontifex Maximus, and dictator perpetuo with no time limit.
- Dictator perpetuo eroded republican emergency norms and alarmed contemporaries who expected temporary dictatorships.
Kinglike Symbols Without The Title Rex
- Caesar displayed kinglike symbols without officially becoming king: portrait coins, perpetual triumphal dress, and a priest for his cult.
- Public rituals like the Lupercalia diadem episode tested acceptance of monarchical imagery.