Marcus Junius Brutus vs Publius Valerius Publicola

Brutus was a key conspirator in the assassination of Julius Caesar. He was persuaded by Cassius to join the plot, and on the Ides of March, he stabbed Caesar. Caesar's famous last words, 'Et tu, Brute?' reflect this betrayal.

After Caesar's assassination, Brutus was assigned the governorship of Cisalpine Gaul by the Senate. He raised troops and prepared to defend the Republic against the Caesarian forces led by Antony and Octavian.

Brutus commanded the Republican forces in the second battle of Philippi. After initial success, his army was defeated by Antony and Octavian. Brutus fled and committed suicide, ending the Republican cause.

Publicola enacted the Valerian Laws, which granted Roman citizens the right of appeal (provocatio) against the death penalty imposed by a magistrate. These laws also made it a capital offense to attempt to become king, reinforcing the Republic's anti-monarchical principles.

Publicola voluntarily reduced the powers of the consulship, including lowering the fasces before the people and allowing appeal against consular decisions. These actions earned him the cognomen 'Publicola' (friend of the people) and set precedents for limited executive authority.

Publius Valerius Publicola, as a leading senator, helped Lucius Junius Brutus expel the Tarquins and establish the Republic. He was elected consul suffectus after Brutus's death and played a key role in drafting the early laws and institutions of the new Republic.

Publicola led Roman forces in a war against the Sabines and the Etruscan city of Veii. He achieved victories that secured Roman territory and celebrated a triumph, further consolidating the Republic's military position and his own reputation.

Publicola dedicated the Temple of Jupiter Feretrius on the Capitoline Hill, housing the spolia opima taken by Romulus. This temple became a site for the dedication of spoils from enemy commanders killed in single combat, reinforcing Roman military traditions.