Crossing the Rubicon facts for kids
The phrase Crossing the Rubicon means reaching a point where you can't go back. It's like making a big decision that changes everything. This famous saying comes from a real event in ancient Roman history. The Rubicon is a small river in north-east Italy. Long ago, Roman law said that armies were not allowed to cross this river into Italy without permission from the Roman Senate, which was like their government.
What Led to War?
Around 50 BC, a powerful Roman leader named Julius Caesar was finishing his time as governor of Gaul (which is now France). The Roman Senate, led by another important general named Pompey, told Caesar to send his army home and come back to Rome.
Caesar was worried that if he returned without his army, he would get into serious trouble. He had been accused of not following orders and acting against the government. He believed he needed the special protection that important officials had to be safe.
Caesar's Big Decision
In 49 BC, Caesar and his army marched towards Rome. They reached the Rubicon river, which was the official border. No army was supposed to cross it into Italy without permission.
When Caesar crossed the Rubicon, it meant he was openly challenging the Senate. It was a point of no return. As his army crossed the river, Pompey and his friends, who were in charge in Rome, quickly fled the city. This act started a civil war in Rome. In the end, Caesar won this war and became the most powerful person in Rome.
"The Die Is Cast"
When Caesar crossed the Rubicon, he reportedly said, "Alea iacta est" (pronounced "AH-lay-ah YAHK-tah est"). This means "The die is cast."
This saying comes from gambling with dice. Once you throw the dice, you can't change your mind or take back your bet, even before the dice land. It means a decision has been made, and there's no turning back.
Images for kids
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The modern Rubicon river (dark blue), believed to be the same river crossed by Caesar
