The History Bluff

Invented in 45 B.C., the game of tag is a story of irony. This simple game caused the great Roman Empire to crumble, while thousands of years later it brings happiness to children around the world.

Seen as an integral part of the Roman Empire, the Roman Senate was said to have been an advisory counsel to the king. In truth it was a group of shirkers and retired politicians, all of whom bought their place in the Senate. While many decisions and trends came from the Senate, the longest-lasting contribution was the game of TAG (Togas Are Glorious).

Tag eventually got out of hand.

Historians have long debated how the game began, but all that matters in the end is that one day March 15, 44 B.C. Gaius Juliae took things way too far. Without warning he sprang from his seat and began to chase Julius Caesar up the east-side steps of the forum to the cheers of everyone watching. They sprinted across the balcony far above the senators and then sprinted down the west-side stairs. Julius Caesar began to laugh uncontrollably as he sprinted downward. Midway down the stairs, Julius stepped on his toga, skidded down several steps on his knees and slammed his head full force into the side wall of the stairs. Upon hitting the wall his hand scraped the calf of Marcus Junius Brutus. With a half smile, while knowing his end was near, the great Julius Caesar said, “Et tu, Brute.” Translated into English: “Brutus, you’re It.” Julius Caesar then passed away quietly.

Shocked and embarrassed at this sudden turn of events during a simple game, the Senate met to get everybody’s story straight. They left the forum and announced the assassination of the great Julius Caesar. In the end, the death of Julius Caesar marked and accelerated the decay of the once great Roman Empire.

Mrs. Parker’s second grade class reenacting the death of Julius Caesar.

Much thanks goes to an alert and concerned historian (Jane from South Carolina), who asked me to research the death of this historical figure.