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If we wind the clock back about 400 years to the year 1600 in fact - we arrive at the time when William Shakespeare completed Julius Caesar. Can you think of any reasons why this play (and for that matter Shakespeare himself) stood the test of time so well? After all, Shakespeare is a huge commercial success all over the world, even today. Books, films, TV, stage presentations, and souvenirs generate an enormous profit. What is a tragedy again? The tragedy of Julius Caesar is based on the actual historical figure. He was known as one of the greatest military generals of all ages. In fact, he was more famous than Alexander the Great or Hannibal. Born July 13, 100 B.C. Helped transform Rome into an empire Elected military tribune in 72 B.C. Elected Proconsul He conquered: Gaul, Belgium, part of Switzerland and Germany Responsible for first invasion of Britain in 55 B.C. During his lifetime Romans were a superstitious people. They believed that future events could be seen in dreams, the stars, and unnatural occurrences. Many Romans believed that fate controlled one’s life. *They also believed in many Gods. The locus of Senate and Imperial proclamations Portents were pronounced by a priest known as an auger who would interpret the will of the gods. The augur was central to any major undertaking in Roman society—public or private—including matters of war, commerce, and religion. The forum was also a place for people to display grief and gratitude. Forum entrance Forum in Rome Important events leading up to Caesar’s dictatorship: In 503 BC Rome ended the rule of the Tarquins, a series of harsh, cruel rulers. Rome decided to never again be under the rule of such an oppressive government. They refused ALL forms of government that consisted of kings or emperors, basically any ruler who achieves power based on inheritance instead of an election. As a result, Rome set up a republic which is a government in which officials are elected. The new government was made up of two parts: Two consuls (leaders) and a senate. The Consuls were elected officials. They appointed the Senate members. These people could be from any walk of life—noble or common. Julius Caesar got into politics during a time in which the Consuls and the Senate were having problems. In this time of instability and arguing, he became an outspoken leader. Consuls Senate In 60 BC the first triumvirate was formed. It consisted of Caesar, a famous general named Pompey, and a wealthy man named Crassus. Julius Caesar Crassus Pompey Crassus died while battling the Parthians, and Pompey began to fear that Caesar was growing too powerful and popular. Crassus Caesar Caesar and his army were far away from Rome, conquering many lands for the Roman Empire. Pompey ordered him back so that he would not have to fear Caesar and his powerful army. Instead, Caesar attacked Pompey, defeating his forces and killing him in the midst. Pompey Pompey’s House (restored) Caesar returned to Rome and was accepted by the people for his military abilities. He was loved for all of the goods he brought back from his conquests, and he was elected Dictator for Life. This meant that he would rule Rome until his death, and the next leader would have to be elected. Caesar = Dictator for Life We Love Caesar!!! Reorganized distribution of grain Founded military colonies for the poor Granted citizenship to doctors & teachers Stepped up criminal penalties and laws against extortion Created 1st news sheet Never lost a war Named dictator for ten Statue erected years with inscription: Given most lavish honors “To the ever showered on a Roman unconquerable Victories = national god.” holidays Coins minted with his image Many believed that Caesar wanted to be emperor instead of just Dictator for Life. If he was Emperor, Julius Caesar’s son would inherit the throne after his death. Many feared that Caesar would bring back a style of governing similar to Tarquin’s. To prevent this, some members of the legislature carried out a deceitful plan . . . This Roman emperor was well known in the Elizabethan public's mind - he was, after all, the one who led the first Roman ships to Britain's shores in 55 B.C. and paved the way for the Roman occupation of Britain. When he became dictator, he was arguably the most powerful ruler the world had ever known. He also died in a spectacular fashion. How did the play relate to the Elizabethan Era? One of the themes of Julius Caesar is the method of selection of a leader. At the time when the play was written, Elizabeth I, the English Queen, was too old to bear children and did not have an heir. Likewise, Caesar had not named an heir. Shakespeare's selection of themes reflected the interests and concerns of his times. Of course, Shakespeare had to gather historical details. He read one major work: Sir Thomas North's translation of the ancient Greek historian Plutarch's Lives of the Roman Greek’s and Romans. But Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is not a history book, nor was it his intention to write a piece of Roman history. It is a play, based on the events of Caesar's murder. pressures on the characters around him. consequences for the conspirators and Rome in general. He is not so much interested in the facts but uses them to: Present something from his own imagination that would entertain his audiences (the first thing to think about, obviously). Make audiences think: challenge them to look beyond the story and look at the way human beings act towards each other. Pun: a play on words Blank Verse: unrhymed lines of iambic pentameter Soliloquy : long speech given by a character while alone on stage to reveal private thoughts Aside: character’s quiet remark to the audience THE END