Sic Semper Tyrannis: The Untold Story Of Power

Sic semper tyrannis, latin for thus unto tyrants, was famously spoken by john wilkes booth following the assassination of president abraham lincoln at fords theater in washington d. c. Booths words harkened back to the assassination of another supposed tyrant two thousand years before, gaius julius caesar. Sic semper tyrannis is a latin phrase meaning thus always to tyrants. In contemporary parlance, it means tyrannical leaders will inevitably be overthrown. The phrase also suggests that bad but justified outcomes should, or eventually will, befall tyrants.

From its classical origins in the story of brutus and julius caesar, to its role in the founding of the united states, and its darker associations with the assassination of abraham lincoln, sic semper tyrannis reflects the complex and often violent struggle for power and liberty throughout history. In the story of caesars assassination, sic semper tyrannis is used as both an expression of motive and as a proclamation that a prophecy has been fulfilled. In 1776, the year the united states was founded, virginia adopted sic semper tyrannis as a part of its seal. A historical and cultural exploration. The latin phrase sic semper tyrannis meaning thus always to tyrants has resonated through history, becoming a powerful symbol of resistance against oppression.