Wolfmanne here, making an attempt with one of those Infected Mushroom-style threads where we all spend some time pondering about 'what would we do' if we were in some crazy pop fiction/GoT-related/philosophical scenario. Now, instead of picking one of those three, I decided to take dive into history and pick something out for us to ponder. Without further ado, here goes.
You're a Senator in the Roman Republic in 44 BC, with the influence equivalent to that of a backbencher MP in the UK's Parliament. You were either born into the nobility or have risen from the equestrian class by being elected as a Quaestor. You may have done service as a Military Tribune to give your career in politics a good start and if so, you performed as what was expected of you. A few years ago Julius Caesar defeated Pompey Magnus and has established himself as a Dictator. A month ago, he declared himself Dictator for Life.
Caesar has made great efforts to introduce reforms to benefit the people of Rome, such as land reforms, which involve seizing land from the wealthy Senators and redistributing to Roman citizens - particularly his own Legionnaires - which helps in creating employment as well due to the fact that these wealthy Senators rely on slaves, whereas many of these farms are relatively small and are worked by free Romans. Of course, some have questioned whether he actually gives a fig about the people and is just trying to establish himself as a tyrant with the mob standing behind. Indeed, his manner has been one of intimidation for those who oppose his reforms, especially those among the elite who fear the loss of their property. But it can not be denied that the people have certainly benefited from his reforms.
On the other hand, someone like Marcus Tullius Cicero would argue that Caesar's subversion of the constitution to achieves these reforms sets poor precedents for the future and give too much power to Caesar and his cronies. Take into account that by this point Caesar, due to his various constitutional reforms, he now has the ability to stack the Senate with his allies and has been able create a large numbers of Magistrate posts to stack with his followers and allies. You're now very much in a minority of being one of the Senators born noble or being one who rose up from knighthood. Additionally, can someone who has soldiered all their life or has lived their lives in the slums really be expected to be able to run a farm? Perhaps these reforms are necessary in some form, but do not take this into account.
Whilst leaving the Senate house, you are approached by a fellow Senator by the name of Gaius Cassius Longinus. Cassius has invited you to a plot by a group calling themselves the 'liberatores', who claim they plan to 'execute' the 'tyrant' Caesar. He tells you about it, informing you that Marcus Junius Brutus, descendant of the founder of the Republic, Lucius Junius Brutus, is on board with the plot and makes it clear that Caesar has refused to believe that any plot is coming, meaning that if the plot succeeds the liberatores will control Rome and be able to 'save the Republic'. All of a sudden, you see the most extraordinary thing; a cat barking. When you look back, Cassius has disappeared.
So, what do you do now? Do you join the liberatores and establish yourself as one of the conspirators? Do you quietly support them but not actively participate? Do you desperately try to inform Caesar and his allies, even though they laugh at such the notion that Brutus will actually kill Caesar? Or do you just watch it happen than align yourselves to one of the avengers of Caesar, such as Marcus Antonius, Lepidus or Gaius Octavian?
I don't think I'd participate in the assassination, but I would quietly support it and rally behind the liberores in the time that followed. Personally I don't think I have it in me to murder a politician to 'save the Republic' but I certainly do not support subversions of the constitution. Whilst I believe that the people should be helped, I don't think Caesar forcing it down the Senate's throat is the way to go about it and the constitutional reforms should be made to broaden participation in Roman governance, not leaving in the hands of one person. I'd probably join up with the liberatores until they get defeated in Philippi and hope for a pardon by Octavian. I think I would feel regretful that I didn't do much to 'save the Republic', but would be satisfied in the aftermath, as Octavian seemed to respect the traditions and ideals of Rome if not the Republic.
