A BUSINESS REFLECTION ON THE IDES OF MARCH

On the 15th of March (the Ides of March) 44 B.C., popular Roman army general and statesman, Julius Caesar, was brutally assassinated in the Roman House of Senate by 60 conspirators who stabbed him to death. This group of conspirators, led by Gaius Longinus and Marcus Brutus, believed the death of Julius Caesar would lead to the restoration of the Roman Republic as opposed to Caesar's growing popularity and power at the time. The plot leaders, Longinus and Brutus, were two of Caesar's closest confidants and allies. They had personal grievances against Caesar and along with Caesar's opponents in the Senate, resented his authority and became jealous of his achievements.

Caesar's achievements also aroused the jealousy of his former political ally, Pompey, a long-standing leading Roman general and statesman. After the collapse of their political alliance, Caesar was ordered by the Senate to disband his army, but he refused and carried on with his highly successful military campaigns, eventually emerging victorious after a series of battles against Pompey.

Julius Caesar's great success and achievements can be attributed to his successful military campaigns which included his conquest of Gaul (including present-day Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and parts of Germany, Luxembourg, and Switzerland) and the expansion of the Roman Empire. His political and social reforms, such as land redistribution and grain subsidies, helped to improve the economic conditions of the lower classes. Caesar also embarked on an expansion of the city's infrastructure, and his policies of expanding citizenship and creating a more stable political environment in Rome helped to stimulate economic growth and create a more favorable environment for business and commerce to flourish. His most lasting legacy is the Julian calendar which was refined in the 16th century and is still in use today.

The aftermath of Julius Caesar's assassination dashed the hopes of those who believed his death would lead to the restoration of the Roman Republic, as it triggered political chaos, instabilities and civil wars, at the end of which Caesar's grand-nephew Octavian emerged as the sole ruler of Rome with the title of Augustus. This marked the beginning of the Roman Empire and the end of the Roman Republic. Augustus implemented many reforms and policies that helped to stabilize the Roman Empire and usher in a period of peace and prosperity.

As we reflect on the fateful events of ancient Rome, let us remember that even the most powerful empires can fall. But in every downfall, there is an opportunity to rise again. Today marks a day of both caution and courage. We must therefore take inspiration from the bravery and legacy of those who stood up for what was right. Let us seize the day and make every moment count.