Marcus Junius Brutus © Clipart.com

On this day in 42 B.C., Brutus, assassin of Caesar, was defeated by the forces of Octavian and Mark Antony (members of the second triumvirate, with Marcus Aemilius Lepidus as the third of the triumvirs) at the Battle of Philippi. Cassius, co-conspirator with Brutus, had already committed suicide, but Brutus was still fighting. Appian describes how the triumvirate side was suffering from hunger and was anxious to hurry up, while Brutus was prepared for a siege. The triumvirs taunted Brutus and his men. The troops felt like cowards and were eager for battle. Even Brutus' officers agreed with the men. Unwilling to risk having his men desert, Brutus went along with his officers and battle ensued. The triumvirs won, Brutus and his men were defeated, and Brutus committed suicide.

• Caesar and Brutus
• Octavian to Augustus
• Actium - Battle Between Octavian and Mark Antony