Download Objective: Students will describe the influence of Julius Caesar on

Objective:
Students will describe the inf luence of Julius Caesar on the
transition from republic to empire.
Following Sulla a number
of generals came to
power.
Julius Caesar was one.
Julius Caesar = Roman
general, politician and
dictator.
Noble class
Ambitious
Power = victory on the
battle field.
Gained his military fame in Gaul
(France).
Gauls were fierce fighters
(once defeated Rome).
Caesar’s military campaign
defeated the Gauls and
captured their land.
Campaign = series of military
operations that form part of a
war.
Caesar’s military success gave
Rome new wealth and power.
Caesar became famous!
Caesars wrote about his military
success in his personal memoir.
Commentaries on the Gallic
War.
Caesar became famous for his
writing skills as well.
Caesar was a respected
politician.
Known as a reformer.
Popular with Plebeians.
Patrician opposed Caesar.
Cicero opposed Caesar
Cicero = Roman consul, speaker
and opponent of Caesar.
Cicero supported the Republic
and distrusted Caesar (taste for
power).
After defeating the Gauls Caesar
ordered to disband his army
(Senate).
Caesar refused and used his
military to take over the
government (46 B.C.)
In 44 B.C. the Senate named
Caesar dictator for life!
Expanded the Senate
Include people from new
Roman territories.
Enforced laws against
crime.
Created jobs for the poor.
Caesar’s reforms make him
popular with the general
population.
Some feared his
popularity.
Fear that he would become
king
A king enabled Caesar’s
family to become rulers
(returing to Etruscan
times).
Concern over Caesar’s power (and
popularity) caused the Senate to
react.
Senators held a meeting
(including Caesar) surrounded
him and assassinated him.
March 15, 44 B.C. (Ides of
March).
Ides = Day that divides the month!
Leaders of the conspiracy
eventually killed.
Today (as well as in Ancient Rome)
there are differing opinions of
Caesar.
Some see Caesar as reformer
who helped the people
Others say he was a power
hungry tyrant.
Either way Caesar brought about
great change in Rome!