The famous ancient Roman statesman assassinated in 44 BCE was Julius Caesar. Caesar was a pivotal figure in Roman history, known for his role as a general, political leader, and victor in civil wars. His accumulation of power and reforms threatened the traditional republican structure of Rome, leading to fears among senators of his growing dictatorship. On the Ides of March (March 15), he was assassinated by a group of conspirators, including Brutus and Cassius, who believed they were saving the Republic. His death precipitated a series of civil wars that ultimately ended with the establishment of the Roman Empire under Augustus.