The Six Most Unforgettable Betrayals in History

Published March 15, 2016
Updated October 22, 2018

From Cold War spies to Aztec conquerers, these famous betrayals are a reminder that human history isn’t marked solely by acts of good will.

Famous Betrayals

March 15th, better known as the Ides of March, marked the first half of the first month of the year in the Roman Calendar. In 44 BC, it also marked one of history’s most notorious betrayals and brutal political assassinations: that of Julius Caesar by his friend, Brutus. In the spirit of betrayal, we’re looking at a few more shocking betrayals from history in celebration of the Ides: starting, of course, with Brutus and Caesar…

Abby Norman
Abby Norman is a writer based in New England, currently writing a memoir for Nation Books. Her work has been featured on The Rumpus, The Independent, Cosmopolitan, Medium, Seventeen, Romper, Bustle, and Quartz.