Episode III.30 - To the Death of Julius Caesar

As the last century before Christ winds down, the circle of power shrinks in Rome. By 59 BC, the triumvirate of Crassus, Pompey and Caesar are the only men who really matter in politics. Six years later, only Pompey and Caesar remain. In 49 BC, Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon and soon Pompey, Cato the Younger and many of the Roman optimates are either dead or exiled. Cicero accepts a pardon, and the inevitable.

Shortly after he is named Perpetual Dictator in 44 BC, Roman patriots assassinate Caesar in a flurry of knives. They hope that the blood of the tyrant will refresh the tree of liberty.

Instead, this blood will nourish an empire.