Have you ever wondered how often we use the phrase "die cast"? Who said that and what does she mean? You will find answers to these questions in the article.
History of 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 power and authority, emperors needed to expand their holdings through aggressive campaigns in the surrounding lands.
The future emperor, consul Gaius Julius Caesar, collecting his military forces, went to conquer Cisalpine Gaul, the path to which ran through the Rubicon (in Latin, the Rubicon is a red river). But Caesar's campaign was not approved by the Senate, an order was received even to disband the troops.
Guy Julius Caesar disobeyed the Senate, and in January 49 BC. e. the legion approached the shores of the Rubicon. Having stopped, Caesar hesitated whether he should move on, since if you cross the Rubicon, there will be no way back. Being in great doubt, Caesar still decides to cross the river, saying at the same time: "The die is cast."
Some historians claim that before saying this phrase, he really threw some kind of dice, indicating that it should go. According to other sources, the "cast of lots" was only a phrase.
After the passage of the Rubicon, Caesar entered into an open war with the Senate and eventually overthrew the emperor. The victory was for Caesar. From this moment begins the history of a great power - the Roman Empire.
Quote Author
They still argue about the true origin of the great emperor, who turned a small country into a powerful empire. Some scholars argue that Gaius Julius Caesar was from a wealthy family, but most are inclined to believe that he joined the ranks of aristocrats only after he married a wealthy woman Cornelia.
Their marriage provoked the wrath of the dictator Rome Sulla. Refusing to divorce, Julius Caesar found salvation in the army and after some time became a very successful commander. After the death of Sulla, he managed to return to Rome and begin his political career. Its popularity grew and its success was helped by the successful opposition to Mithridates VI Eupator, who tried to organize an invasion of Rome.
A decade later, Caesar was able to capture Gaul, while not forgetting to pave the way for the continuation of a political career in Rome. After the civil war 49-48 BC. e. and the overthrow of the power of Pompey, Caesar occupies the imperial throne.
Having entered into an alliance with the ruler of Egypt, Cleopatra, he seeks international support for decisive reforms in the state. All subsequent years of his reign were marked by reforms of all spheres of life. He will continue his aggressive campaigns and significantly expand the territory of the small Roman republic.
Reforms and policies of Guy Julius Caesar were positively perceived by the population, but the Senate’s reaction was clearly negative. During the reign of Caesar, the Senate tried in every possible way to shake its authority and turn the people to their side. In the end, the Senate plotted against Caesar. During a speech in the Senate, he was treacherously stabbed by Brutus. Guy Julius Caesar at one time overthrew the emperor, and he himself was overtaken by the same fate.
Phrase meaning
As already mentioned, perhaps Caesar threw dice when he said: "The die is cast." By this he meant that he made 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. The phrase found its metaphorical character only by the seventeenth century.
Researchers highlight another metaphor that Gaius Julius Caesar left. Over time, the passage across the Rubicon River itself became symbolic. The expression "cross the Rubicon." As in the case of the phrase “the die is cast,” the phraseology “crossing the Rubicon” means deciding on an important step, it is also a kind of point of no return, meaning that there is no turning back.
Latin version
The phrase "cast lots" in Latin - Alea jacta est ("alea yakta est") has come down to our time. But 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.