Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 edition. Excerpt: ... II DECIMUS' PART IN THE ASSASSINATION OF CAESAR Brutus did not remain in Gaul until the end of the year 45. Caesar probably desired him to be present in Rome on the occasion of his approaching triumph, and he was thus permitted to leave his province in the middle of the year,1 before a successor had been appointed. Accordingly, he accompanied Caesar on the latter's leisurely and stately progress through the two Gauls and Italy. Plutarch,2 after reciting the fact that all the leading men of Rome went out several days' journey to meet Caesar on his return from Spain, informs us that, on the trip through Italy, Antonius enjoyed the conspicuous distinction of riding in the same chariot with the dictator, and that behind them rode Decimus Brutus and Octavius, the son of Caesar's niece, Attia. Octavius had been with Caesar in Spain.8 Decimus Brutus had joined him in Transalpine Gaul; Antonius,4 Marcus Brutus,6 and other leading men of Rome had met him probably in the Cisalpine province. On the 13th of September, at his Lavican villa, before his entrance into Rome, Caesar made his will.6 When this was read after Caesar's death, it was found that Decimus Brutus had been named among his substitute heirs and, together with others of the liberatores, among the guardians (tutores) of his son if one should subsequently be born to him.' From the narrative of Suetonius we would infer that Decimus was the only one of the conspirators named in secundis heredibus. Dio8 states that Decimus, Antonius, and certain others of the conspirators were made guardians of Octavius, and heirs of Caesar's property if Octavius should fail to take. It is not likely that Caesar would name a guardian for Octavius who had already assumed the toga virilis. Again, Dio would...
