Who said "the die is cast"?

Have you ever wondered how often we use the phrase "the die is cast"? Who said this and what does it mean? Answers to the questions you will find in the article.

The history of the expression

In the first century BC Italy was not yet a great Roman empire, but was only on the way to world domination. To strengthen the authority and authority of the emperors it was necessary to expand their possessions by invading the surrounding lands.

The future emperor, proconsul Gaius Julius Caesar, having collected his military forces, went to conquer Cisalpine Gaul, the path to which ran through the Rubicon (in Latin for "rubicon" - this is a red river). But Caesar's campaign was not approved by the Senate, the order was issued to even disband the troops.

Guy Julius Caesar disobeyed the Senate, and in January of 49 BC. E. The legion approached the banks of the Rubicon. Stopping, Caesar hesitated whether he should move on, as if to cross the Rubicon, then there would be no return. Being in great doubt, Caesar still decides to cross the river, saying at the same time: "The die is thrown."

Some historians argue that before saying this phrase, he indeed gave up a kind of dice that indicated that it was necessary to go. According to other sources, the "die cast" was only a phrase.

After the transition Rubicon Caesar entered an open war with the Senate and eventually overthrew the emperor. The victory was for Caesar. From this moment the history of the great power - the Roman Empire - begins.

Quoting author

There is still debate about the true origin of the great emperor, who turned a small country into a powerful empire. Some scholars claim that Gaius Julius Caesar was from a wealthy family, but most are inclined to the version that he joined the ranks of aristocrats only after the marriage with a wealthy woman Cornelia.

Their marriage caused the wrath of dictator Rome Sulla. Refusing to dissolve the marriage, Julius Caesar found salvation in the army and after a while became a very successful commander. After the death of Sulla, he managed to return to Rome and begin his political career. His popularity was growing and strengthened by the successful confrontation with Mithridates VI Evpator, who attempted to organize an invasion of Rome.

After a decade, Caesar was able to capture Gaul, while not forgetting to prepare the ground for continuing his political career in Rome. After the Civil War of 49-48 BC. E. And the overthrow of Pompey's power, Caesar occupies the imperial throne.

Having concluded an alliance with the ruler of Egypt, Cleopatra, he enlists international support for decisive reforms in the state. All subsequent years of his reign were marked by reforms in all spheres of life. He will continue his aggressive campaigns and significantly expand the territory of a small Roman republic.

The reforms and policies of Guy Julius Caesar were positively perceived by the population, but the reaction of the Senate was unambiguously negative. During the reign of Caesar, the Senate tried to shake its authority in every possible way and turn the people to its side. In the end, the Senate organized a conspiracy against Caesar. During the speech in the Senate, he was betrayed treacherously by Brutus. Guy Julius Caesar at one time ousted the emperor, and he himself was overtaken by the same fate.

Phrase Value

As already mentioned, perhaps Caesar was throwing dice when he said, "The die is cast." Thus, he meant that he takes one of the most important decisions in life. He intended to overthrow the emperor.

His decision was unconditional, and there was no other way, it was final. That is, this is the point of no return. His metaphorical phrase found only in the seventeenth century.

Researchers distinguish one more metaphor, which Gaius Julius Caesar left. Over time, the very passage through the Rubicon River became symbolic. There was an expression "to cross the Rubicon". As in the case with the phrase "the die is cast", the phraseology "to cross the Rubicon" means to decide on an important step, also it is a kind of point of no return, meaning that there is no turning back.

Latin version

Until now, the phrase "the die is cast" in Latin - Alea jacta est ("Alea yakta est") has reached. But very few people know that the famous phrase, according to the statement of the ancient Greek historian Plutarch, was spoken in Greek and is nothing more than a quote from Menander.