Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC, a pivotal event that altered the course of Roman governance. His murder, executed by a group of senators, was motivated by fears that he was accumulating too much power and effectively undermining the Republic. This event led to the downfall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. The ensuing civil wars, particularly those involving Caesar’s adopted heir Octavian (later Augustus), fundamentally changed Rome's political structure, leading to imperial rule. Caesar’s death is famously associated with the phrase "Et tu, Brute?" highlighting betrayal among political allies.