The flag of Virginia was adopted at the beginning of the American Civil War in 1861 and consists of the state seal on a background of blue and is decorated with a white fringe along the fly. The Latin motto, "Sic semper tyrannis," at the bottom of the state seal means "Thus Always to Tyrants.", a quote attributed to Brutus during the assassination of Julius Caesar in Rome. The woman is "Virtus the genius of the Commonwealth, dressed as an Amazon" and represents Virginia. The prostrate man represents tyranny; note the fallen crown to the right. The Tyrant is holding both a chain and a whip.