In the midst of this useful activity he was basely murdered.

CASSIUS LONGINUS and MARCUS JUNIUS BRUTUS were the leaders in the
conspiracy to effect Caesar's death, Cassius, a former lieutenant of
Crassus, had shown great bravery in the war with the Parthians. At
Pharsalia he fought on the side of Pompey, but was afterwards pardoned
by Caesar. He was married to a sister of Brutus. The latter, a nephew
and son-in-law of Cato, had also fought at Pharsalia against Caesar,
and also been pardoned by him. Cassius, it was said, hated the tyrant,
and Brutus tyranny.

These conspirators were soon joined by persons of all parties; and men
who had fought against each other in the civil war now joined hands.
Cicero was not taken into the plot. He was of advanced years, and all
who knew him must have felt that he would never consent to the taking
the life of one who had been so lenient towards his conquered enemies.

On the morning of the IDES (15th) OF MARCH, 44, as Caesar entered the
Senate and took his seat, he was approached by the conspirators,
headed by Tullius Cimber, who prayed for the pardon of his exiled
brother; and while the rest joined him in the request, he, grasping
Caesar's hand, kissed his head and breast. As Caesar attempted to
rise, Cimber dragged his cloak from his shoulders, and Casca, who was
standing behind his chair, stabbed him in the neck. The first blow was
struck, and the whole pack fell upon their noble victim. Cassius
stabbed him in the face, and Marcus Brutus in the groin. He made no
further resistance; but, wrapping his gown over his head and the lower
part of his body, he fell at the base of POMPEY'S STATUE, which was
drenched with the martyr's blood.