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Caesar Crosses the Rubicon River
The crossing of a small stream in northern Italy became one of
ancient history's most pivotal events. From it sprang the Roman
Empire.
Born with unbridled political ambition and unsurpassed oratory
skills, Julius Caesar manipulated his way to the position of consul
of Rome in 59 BC. After his year of service he was named
governor of Gaul where he amassed a personal fortune and
exhibited his outstanding military skill in conquering the native
Celtic and Germanic tribes. Caesar's popularity with the people
soared, presenting a threat to the power of the Senate and to
Pompey, who held power in Rome. Accordingly, the Senate called
upon Caesar to resign his command and disband his army or risk
being declared an "Enemy of the State". Pompey was entrusted
with enforcing this edict - the foundation for civil war was laid.
It was January 49 BC, Caesar was staying in the northern Italian
city of Ravenna and he had a decision to make. Either he agreed to
the Senate's command or he moved southward to confront Pompey
and plunge the Roman Republic into a bloody civil war. An
ancient Roman law forbade any general from crossing the Rubicon
River and entering Italy proper with a standing army. To do so was
treason. This tiny stream would reveal Caesar's intentions and
mark the point of no return.
Pivotal events – a turning point
Unbridled – Can’t be held back
Unsurpassed – the best; nobody else can go beyond it
Edict – law or command
Close Read Questions
Take out your history notebook and a pen and pencil
Clear off your desk!
1. Caesar is described as having “unbridled ambition” –
Where do you see evidence of his ambition?
2. What does it mean that Caesar has “Unsurpassed”
oratory skills?
3. What did Caesar gain from his conquests in Gaul?
4. Why was Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon such a pivotal
event in Roman history?
Julius Caesar Narrative
Create a narrative that explains what lead to the death of
Julius Caesar. Start at the moment he crosses the Rubicon
river, and end in the Senate where he is being stabbed.
Include Brutus, Calpurnia, Pompey, and explain Caesar’s
motivations throughout.
J.Caesar Narrative Rubric
1
2
3
4
Details (4pts) Few accurate
details
Includes
important
points, but little
else
All of 3 –
brings details
to life
Organization
(4 pts)
Disorganized
Some structure,
but confusing in
places
Includes all
characters,
has dates,
and Caesar’s
motivations
Clear
timeline of
events
Creativity (2
pts)
No attempt at
creativity
Straightforward
but plain
Creative
structure that
helps to aid
understanding
Expresses
Goes beyond –
the emotion clearly
and
creative and
motivation
interesting
of characters and unique