Brutus is not a traitor

Have been watching Rome again and was wondering what you guys think would have happened had Brutus not betrayed Caesar. In real life not the show. What would happen if 1) Brutus informs on the plot or 2) at the last moment Brutus has a change of heart and defends Caesar?
 

Anaxagoras

Banned
Caesar leaves a few days later for his campaign in the east. As for what happens to the conspirators, who knows? Caesar made a habit of pardoning his enemies, but how could he pardon this crowd after what they had tried to do?
 
Well i should have been more clear. I was wondering more about what happens to Brutus and how he's viewed. Also him fighting alongside Caesar might mean they both die. Perhaps Brutus becomes a symbol for loyalty rather than treachery. Any ideas to what extent he would be celebrated? Another possibility is what happens with Antony and Augustus?
 

Anaxagoras

Banned
I don't think he'd become a symbol for loyalty. Many expected him to side with Caesar due to their personal connection and the fact that Pompey killed Brutus' father. He probably went with Pompey and his allies because he thought Caesar was going to lose. ITTL, he goes over to Caesar's side once Caesar wins the war.

I think he'd become a symbol of selfishness.
 
'Traitor' is an interesting word to use. Brutus was clearly NOT that, but was, in fact, a patriot trying to prevent the usurpation of power by Caesar, and the destruction of the Republic. Of course, it was futile - Octavian ppbecame Emperor, not just King.
 
In a world where he did not assist the killing of Caesar and defends the man who forgave him he's remembered as selfish?

He's remembered as having gambled on Caesar being the winner, regardless of what was good for the republic - at least that's how I understood what was meant by that.
 

Anaxagoras

Banned
He's remembered as having gambled on Caesar being the winner, regardless of what was good for the republic - at least that's how I understood what was meant by that.

Yes, it was. I think Brutus would be remembered for siding with Pompey when he thought Pompey would win and then siding with Caesar when it became obvious that Caesar would win. I apologize for not being more clear.
 
He's remembered as having gambled on Caesar being the winner, regardless of what was good for the republic - at least that's how I understood what was meant by that.

I think that presupposes that people will think the republic was better than whatever Caesar put into place if it was something different.
 
I have thought over my own question moderately deeply for a few minutes and I offer that among other things Brutus will be the mascot or namesake of at least one Insurance company
 
'Traitor' is an interesting word to use. Brutus was clearly NOT that, but was, in fact, a patriot trying to prevent the usurpation of power by Caesar, and the destruction of the Republic. Of course, it was futile - Octavian ppbecame Emperor, not just King.

No, he (along with the other conspirators) were afraid that they would lose power if Caesar was allowed to continue consolidating it in himself. They were attempting to keep their own stranglehold on power. It just so happens Brutus was a little more idealistic than the rest.

Anyway, if Brutus doesn't join the conspiracy, it almost surely can't be successful. If he doesn't join, I presume his older brother Decimus isn't joining either? Anyway, part of me doubts the conspiracy would actually amount to anything if they don't join, but if it does, they'd likely warn Caesar ahead of time, or at the very least not stop Antony from informing Caesar like they did on the Ides.

I believe Marcus Brutus (or Decimus, again I forget which, Caesar had an affection for both of them) was also almost an equal heir to Octavius in Caesar's will. Or at the very least, was supposed to be the main beneficiary in his will if Octavius had died before Caesar (which he very well could, given his tendency to get deathly sick).


So if Brutus doesn't join the conspiracy and stands by Caesar, Caesar lives and goes on his campaign as scheduled.
 
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