Crossing The Rubicon, Quiz 1/10/26

On this day, January 10, 49BC, Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, defying the Roman Senate and igniting civil war.

Today’s quiz is about Julius Caesar’s crossing

Background
By 49 BC, Julius Caesar was one of Rome’s most successful generals, fresh from conquering Gaul (modern France). His victories made him immensely popular with the army and the people—but also deeply feared by the Roman Senate, especially his rival Pompey the Great.

Under Roman law:
– A general could not bring an army into Italy.
– Doing so was an act of treason.
– Caesar was ordered to disband his army and return to Rome as a private citizen.

The Rubicon was a small river in northern Italy that marked the boundary between Gaul (France) & Italy. Crossing it with an army meant open rebellion against the Senate and civil war.

The Quiz:
According to ancient sources, what did Julius Caeser say when he crossed the Rubicon?

The Answer:
According to ancient sources (especially Suetonius and Plutarch), Caesar said:

“Alea iacta est”, in Latin: “The die is cast.”
– The decision is made
– There is no turning back
– Fate will decide the outcome

The Winners:
K8EA – There is no turning back
K3WGS – Alea iacta est, “The die is cast.”

Thanks, to all that participated in today’s Net!
-K4RJT/Ron