The prominent Roman leader known for his role in the assassination of Julius Caesar is Marcus Junius Brutus, often referred to simply as Brutus. A senator and one of Caesar’s close associates, Brutus took part in the conspiracy to murder Caesar on March 15, 44 BC, known as the Ides of March. He believed that by assassinating Caesar, he would be protecting the Roman Republic from tyranny, as many perceived Caesar’s growing power as a threat to their democratic system. Brutus's participation drew significant attention, and he became a symbol of betrayal, sparking a power struggle that ultimately led to the rise of Caesar's heir, Octavian, and the end of the Republic.