Download Historical Julius Caesar

July 13, 100 BC – March 15, 44 BC
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For centuries, Romans debated and even
fought civil wars while trying to decide
whether a monarchy, a republic, or a
dictatorship was the best form of
government.
Until 510 BC = Monarchy
509 BC – Brutus family evicted King
Rome = Republic 509+
Monarchy vs. Republic – Which is better????
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King
Wealthy Patricians
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By 100 BC, Rome was a moderate
democracy in form; in actual practice,
Rome was being ruled by the Senate.
In 100 BC, Caesar was born to a family
NOT prominent. However, through
important government connections, he
received some important government
assignments.
At 20, he was honored for bravery during
a seige.
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At 22 years old, Caesar was married to
Cornelia. In 69 BC, Cornelia died. They had a
daughter together – Julia.
Caesar had an affair with Cleopatra, queen of
Egypt, which produced a son, Caesarion.
However, since he was illegitimate, he could
not stand to be Caesar’s heir.
He later adopted a nephew, Octavian (known
as Augustus) to become his son/heir.
At his death, he was married to Calpurnia – she
was barren.
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Julius Caesar was a patrician, but he cast his lot
with the people. He gained their support by
spending money for public entertainment and
establishing laws freeing farmers and
tradesmen from heavy taxes.
In 60 BC, the first triumvirate (3-man rule) was
formed:
Caesar + Crassus + Pompey
Patrician
Wealth
General
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Crassus died. Conflict began between Caesar
and Pompey.
Caesar – controlled Gaul (North)
 Pompey – controlled Rome (South)
*At this time, generals had their own separate armies
and could start civil wars!!
 Caesar took his army across the Rubicon River
(dividing line between their regions) to start a civil
war with Pompey.
 Pompey was defeated and fled to Greece. Caesar
became head of the military of Rome. This marked
the end of the Roman Republic!
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Caesar became dictator of Rome for one year –
49 BC.
Pompey made a come back in 48 BC, but
Caesar’s army defeated them once again.
Pompey fled to Egypt in 48 BC where he was
later murdered!! (Hmmmm….)
Caesar was appointed dictator for another 2
years in 48 BC, then for 10 years in 46 BC.
In 44 BC, Caesar had defeated Pompey’s 2 sons
in Spain (when the play begins).
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Shakespeare begins his play with Caesar
returning in victory from Spain. He is the
undisputed leader and master of the Roman
Empire, especially since he has just been made
Dictator for Life!!
Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March 44
BC because republicans feared his absolute
control.
Aristocrats – could not gain office to challenge
his control of the senate
Republicans – feared monarchy (like in 510 BC)
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Caesar was the first ruler to have his head
placed on Roman coins during his lifetime.
Cassius was one of Caesar’s friends who was
discontented when he didn’t receive sufficient
reward for helping Caesar in battle.
Coincidental that Brutus was a descendent of
the Brutus that killed the last Roman monarch
in 510 BC.
After Caesar’s assassination, Rome had 13
years of civil wars!! CHAOS!!!!
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Chronologically displaced event, detail, word, or
phrase in a literary work
Now that we know the play takes place in 44 BC,
note the anachronisms Shakespeare has in the play!
“Ay, marry was’t, and he put it by thrice…”
“…he plucked me ope his doublet and offered
them his throat to cut.”
“Peace! Count the clock. The clock hath stricken
three.”
“O, what time have you chose…to wear a
kerchief!”
“Look, Lucius, here’s the book I sought for…”