Gaius Cassius Longinus (character of Rome)

Rome character|

name= Gaius Cassius Longinus
class= Plebeian
family=Brutus (brother-in-law)
allies=Marcus Tullius Cicero Brutus
enemies= Gaius Julius Caesar
Mark Antony
appearances= 1-11 "The Spoils"
1-12 "Kalends of February"
portrayed= Guy Henry
fate= Killed in The Battle of "Philippi"

Gaius Cassius Longinus is a historical figure who features as a character in the HBO/BBC2 original television series "Rome", played by Guy Henry. Cassius is depicted as a stubborn young man who is one of the first people who wants Caesar dead. He is one of the figures who devised the plot for Caesar's death, and also acted as one of the assassins. The real Cassius was also one of the main players in the death of Caesar.

Personality

Cassius is a senator of Rome. He believes that the senate should just be for wealthy Romans. He is completely against foreigners or plebs in the senate. Cassius is a stubborn man and will argue to get his way. Although not violent, he is willing to risk his life to have Caesar killed. He is good with words and knows how to affect people in order to make them do his bidding.

Character history

Cassius only appears in the last three episodes of season 1. He is briefly introduced in 1-10 " Triumph." In 1-11 " The Spoils" he tells Brutus that the plebs want him to rescue them from Caesar. When Brutus disagrees, Cassius calls him a coward and tells him that he has the power to end Caesar's tyranny.

In 1-12 "Kalends of February" Cassius is plotting the downfall of Caesar, along with Brutus, Servilia, Casca and Quintus Pompey. After Casca first stabs Caesar, Cassius joins in with the others in stabbing the dying leader. After Brutus delivers the death blow, Cassius declares "Thus ever for tyrants!" and thrusts Brutus's hand into the air.

Comparison with the historical Gaius Cassius

Gaius Cassius Longinus was the ally and brother-in-law of Marcus Junius Brutus, as he was married to Brutus' half-sister Junia Tertia with whom he had a child. The family connection is never established in the series and Junia Tertia is ommitted completely. While the series shows him dying in battle, in reality Cassius commited suicide, after mistaking a victory of Brutus as a victory for Octavian. Although it was actually Octavian who had been forced to retreat, Cassius killed himself believing Brutus to have already done so. Brutus took his own life a few weeks later.