Gaius Cassius Longinus (Rome character)

Gaius Cassius Longinuss
Rome character
First appearance	"Triumph"
Last appearance	"Philippi"
Portrayed by	Guy Henry
Information
Gender	Male
Title	Plebeian
Family	Brutus (brother-in-law)

Gaius Cassius Longinus is a historical figure who features as a character in the HBO/BBC2 original television series Rome, played by Guy Henry. Cassius is depicted as a passion-filled man who is one of the first people who wants Caesar dead. He is one of the figures who devised the plot for Caesar's death, and also acted as one of the assassins. The real Cassius was also one of the main players in the death of Caesar.

Personality

Cassius is a senator of Rome. Rebellion is in his blood, inherited from his father Marcus Cato, who was one of the Governor Generals of Gnaeus Pompey. Cassius believes that membership in the Roman Senate should be restricted to wealthy Romans. He is completely against foreigners or plebs in the senate. Cassius is a stubborn man and will argue to get his way. Although not violent, he is willing to risk his life to have Caesar killed. In this and other matters, he is significantly more practical and ruthless than his somewhat idealistic ally Brutus. He is skilled with words and knows how to convince others to do his bidding.

On his last birthday, he displays a sense of humor, even while on his deathbed.

Character history

Cassius only appears in the last 3 episodes of season 1 and in the sixth episode of season 2. He is briefly introduced in 1-10 "Triumph." In 1-11 "The Spoils" he tells Brutus that the plebs want him to rescue them from Caesar. When Brutus disagrees, Cassius calls him a coward and tells him that he has the power to end Caesar's tyranny.

In 1-12 "Kalends of February" Cassius is plotting the downfall of Caesar, along with Brutus, Servilia, Casca and Quintus Pompey. After Casca first stabs Caesar, Cassius joins in with the others in stabbing the dying leader. After Brutus delivers the death blow, Cassius declares "Thus ever for tyrants!" and thrusts Brutus's hand into the air.

In 2-6 "Philippi," goes fights alongside Brutus against Mark Antony and Gaius Octavian at the Battle of Philippi. Before going into the fight, Brutus wishes Cassius a happy birthday and apologizes that there is no cake. Cassius just smiles and is sure that Brutus get an "extra big" cake next year. "No cinnamon," he adds. "Makes me sneeze." As the battle begins, Cassius asks if Brutus would like the honor to personally leads the troops. Brutus declines and insists that his brother-in-law go, to which he is grateful. Cassius is later seen being carried to Brutus on a litter, mortally wounded. His last words are "Hell of a birthday."

Comparison with the historical Gaius Cassius

Gaius Cassius Longinus was the ally and brother-in-law of Marcus Junius Brutus, as he was married to Brutus' half-sister Junia Tertia with whom he had a child. The family connection is never established in the series and Junia Tertia is omitted completely. While the series shows him dying in battle, in reality Cassius committed suicide, after mistaking a victory of Brutus as a victory for Octavian. Although it was actually Octavian who had been forced to retreat, Cassius killed himself believing Brutus to have already done so. Brutus took his own life a few weeks later.