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from Flavius Josephus, Antiquitates Iudaicae xix 1–273
17 Three ways to death were being prepared for Gaius, each of them under the leadership of a good man. One group gathered around Aemilius Regulus, a native of Cordoba in Spain, who was eager that
18 either he or his companions should do away with him. Another group being organised to help them was led by Cassius Chaerea, a military tribune. Last but not least, Annius Minucianus was also among those preparing to attack the tyranny.
19 They all had their reasons to detest Gaius and conspire against him. Regulus was angry with the whole situation; he hated unjust deeds with the hot temper of a free man, even to the extent of not wanting his plans kept secret. (At any rate, he shared them with many of his friends, and with others whom he considered men
20 of action.) Minucianus’ motive in the undertaking was partly to avenge his close friend Lepidus, a man with few equals in Rome whom Gaius had killed, and partly because he was himself afraid
21 of Gaius, whose murderous anger was let loose on all alike. As for Chaerea, he was humiliated by Gaius’ insulting allegations of effeminacy; and because he was on close terms with Gaius and in his service, he was in any case in daily danger. It would be less servile, he thought, to put an end to him.
22 By common consent they laid out the matter for consideration to all those who were witnesses of the outrages and were eager to avoid the crisis afflicting others by getting rid of Gaius. Perhaps they would succeed; and if they did, with such great benefits at stake, even if their labours achieved the goal at the cost of their own destruction, it would be a happy outcome for the safety of the city
23 and the empire. Chaerea above all was urging action. He longed to enhance his reputation; and besides, since it was easier for an officer to approach Gaius, he would have the opportunity to kill him.
24 Meanwhile, the chariot races were on. The Romans are fanatically keen on this type of show and eagerly assemble in the Circus Maximus to watch it.
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