Download Notes: “The Life of Caesar” by Plutarch p. 290 Julius Caesar is

Notes: “The Life of Caesar” by Plutarch
p. 290

Julius Caesar is known as a spectacular military genius.

Because of accomplishing so many military defeats, Caesar has his eyes set on becoming
ruler of the Roman World.

Plutarch’s biography begins with Caesar’s return to Rome after crushing Pompey,
another ruling power that was Caesar’s last resistance to overall power.

Caesar’s desire to be ruler has angered many people because they fear the creation of
another monarchy (a country ruled by one dominant person).

A conspiracy to overthrow Caesar develops.
 The conspiracy is led by Brutus, Caesar’s friend; and Cassius, an enemy of
Caesar.

Strange signs (omens) were observed and foretold to Caesar over a period of time. All
were negative signs, such as:
 Various flashes of lights in the sky at night.
 Crashing sounds heard in the sky.
 Birds repeatedly flying down into the forum.

Perhaps the most familiar and negative omen is the Ides of March.
 Ides – the 15th of March in the Ancient Roman Calendar.
 The Romans called the day that fell in the middle of the month the “Ides.”

A soothsayer (truth sayer – one who claims to be able to foretell events) warned Caesar to
be on his guard against a great danger on the day of the month the Romans call the
“Ides.”

When the Ides of March came, Caesar was on his way to the Senate House, again he
meets a soothsayer and Caesar states, “Well, the Ides of March have come.” The
soothsayer replies, “Yes, but they have not yet gone.”

Flashback (March 14th): On the previous day, Caesar was awaken by his wife Calpurnia
having a dream.
 Her dream was of herself holding Caesar’s murdered body.

When Calpurnia awoke, she begged Caesar not to go to the Senate meeting the next day
(March 15th).

Caesar listens to his wife and decides to cancel the Senate meeting.

Later that same day, a conspirator convinces Caesar that the Senate is ready to declare
him king (remember, by this time Caesar has already declared himself ruler of all).

Caesar’s greed and his long sought desire to be recognized by all of Rome as king control
his actions, and he goes to the Senate.