[1][2] Although he never achieved greatness, he was admired by close friends and relatives, and also served his father most loyally and shared his ideals.
[3][4] Marcus fought in the Battle of Thapsus, and after being defeated by Caesar's forces his father Cato committed suicide in 46 BC.
Julius Caesar pardoned young Cato and allowed him to keep his father's property.
Afterwards they fled Rome headed for Greece, where Marcus Cato fought in both of the battles of Philippi.
According to Plutarch, as the army of the Liberators routed, Marcus refused to retreat and instead charged into the enemy ranks, allegedly without helmet or armor, to meet his death.