Battle of Philippi — Death of the Republic
After the assassination of Caesar in 44 BCE and the formation of the Second Triumvirate, Antony and Octavian crossed to Greece in pursuit of the Liberators — Brutus and Cassius — who had assembled massive forces in the East. The First Battle of Philippi (3 October 42 BCE) had two simultaneous but contradictory outcomes. Antony's forces overran Cassius's camp; at the same moment Brutus's troops overwhelmed Octavian's flank. Cassius, unable to see what was happening to Brutus, believed his army destroyed and had himself killed. His death was premature and unnecessary. The Second Battle (23 October 42 BCE) found Brutus in a deteriorating position: his troops were growing restless and Antony was fortifying around him. Brutus gave battle again. This time the outcome was unambiguous: Brutus's army collapsed under combined pressure. He fled into the hills and that night died by his own sword, quoting Euripides: 'O wretched Virtue, thou wert but a name.' The deaths of Brutus and Cassius ended the Republican cause.
- Year: 42 BCE
- Category: Military
