Where does the expression “the die is cast” come from?

“The die is cast” is an expression that is used in situations that involve risk or that mark a before and after. The phrase refers to those circumstances in which a decision must be made and there are not enough elements of judgment to anticipate consequences. For this reason, luck is pointed out as the bearer of the last word.

The expression “the die is cast” was originally pronounced in Latin: “Alea jacta is”. It is attributed to the famous Julius Caesar and is estimated to date from the 1st century BC. It was recorded in the work Lives of the twelve Caesarswritten by the historian Suetonius.

It is believed that there may have been a distortion in the translation of the phrase “the die is cast.” Some think that the original expression was “iacta esto alea”, that is, “let the dice be rolled” or “let the die be rolled.” The meaning of the phrase, however, does not change.

Julius Caesar, the warrior

Julius Caesar, author of the expression “the die is cast”, He was one of the most important characters in the history of Rome. The life of this soldier and politician is full of myths and legends. The first of them says that he was born the grandson of Iulus, who, in turn, was the grandson of the goddess Venus.

His uncle, Gaius Marius, gave him a good education. From a very young age he was interested in politics. and began to occupy important positions, such as those of quaestor, aedile, grand pontiff, praetor and propretor. He was highly appreciated by the people because he did several public works and was famous for the popular celebrations that he organized and promoted.

At the age of 15 he married Cornelia, daughter of a very powerful patrician in Rome. Meanwhile, a man named Sulla seized power and began to pursue Julius Caesar. He had to go into exile in Asia, while the tyrant put a price on his head. It all ended when Sulla died and the warrior was able to return to Rome.

The advance of a warrior

Upon his return, Julius Caesar thought he could seize power, but he did not succeed. So he decided to go to Rhodes to study and there he became a great speaker. Back in Rome, he met Crassus and Pompey. two powerful men with whom he allied. The three joined together to form a triumvirate, that is, a government of three leaders, and thus lead Rome.

Later he was appointed proconsul and from this position Julius Caesar undertook an aggressive campaign to dominate the Celtic peoples. This was known as the Gallic War and allowed Rome to significantly expand its dominions.

After the conflict concluded, the Roman Empire annexed the territories that today correspond to Belgium, the Netherlands, France and part of Germany. Julius Caesar was the first Roman warrior to enter what was known as Britain and Germany.

However, while the warrior organized the administration of the new territories, In the Roman Senate a conspiracy was hatched to strip him of his position and his army.. It was led by Pompey, who had previously been his ally.

The origin of “the die is cast”

Thus, Julius Caesar remained in the conquered territory of Gaul, which was only separated from Rome by the Rubicon River. He knew of the plot that was being hatched against him and It was clear to him that, if he crossed the river and advanced towards the territory of his enemies, he would have to confront them militarily..

On the night of February 11 to 12, 49 BC, Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River. It is said that he did it alone, since his men did not dare to do it, since this means challenging Roman power. Once the warrior passed to the other side, he uttered the famous phrase “alea jacta est“, I mean, “the die is cast”.

Meant that there was no turning back: he had begun a path of no return. His army followed him and this led to a civil war in Rome. In the end, Pompey was assassinated and Julius Caesar became dictator of Rome, while helping Cleopatra become queen of Egypt. Later this warrior would be killed.

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