Cassius (Longinus), Gaius

views updated May 18 2018

Cassius (Longinus), Gaius (d.42 bc) Roman general who led the plot to assassinate Julius Caesar. He sided with Pompey during the war against Caesar but was pardoned after Caesar defeated Pompey at Pharsalus (48 bc). After the assassination of Caesar in 44 bc he left for Sicily. Believing he had lost the battle against Mark Antony and Octavian (Augustus) at Philippi, Cassius committed suicide.

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