Download "real" story of Caesar

The REAL Julius Caesar
A biography
Dates
 Born July 12/13, 100 BC
 Died March 15, 44 BC at age 55
 Conquered Gaul from 58-50 BC
 Victor in the Roman Civil War 49-45 BC
 Dictator 46-44 BC
Modern facts…
 The name Caesar has come to mean a ruler who is uniquely
supreme or almost godlike.
(The same as Kaiser in German, tsar in Slavic languages and
qayar in languages in the Islamic world…you will notice they
all have the same root)
 The month of July (formerly known in Caesar’s time as
Quintilis) was renamed to honor Caesar.
Political Career
 Rose to power by calling for reform of the Roman
government.
 Tried to oust aristocrats to strengthen the Senate
 Formed the First Triumvirate in 60 BC as a three man
government.
First Triumvirate
 Caesar, Crassus (millionaire) and Pompey (strong general)
 Was able to make two opposing factions friendly
 Alliance started to fall apart when selfish desires got in the
way among all three men.
 Caesar and Pompey became mortal enemies after Pompey’s
wife (Caesar’s daughter) died and Caesar kept trying for
more and more power.
 Caesar left to fight in the Gallic Wars
Gallic Wars
 Caesar used the soldiers under his command as his own
private army.
 Roamed Europe for eight years gaining control of France,
Belgium, Holland, Germany and Switzerland.
 Caesar “earned” huge amounts of money from these
conquests, which he sent back to Rome to try and gain the
people’s favor.
 He took over more land (part of the Roman Empire) and said
his famous words, “Veni, vidi, vici.” (I came, I saw, I
conquered).
Civil War
 In 49 BC, Pompey, who was jealous of Caesar’s growing
power and favor gave support to the Senate.
 Caesar thought he was a defender of the people, but his
critics accused him of bribery and handouts. His enemies
said he stole the Roman’s liberties.
 Caesar had the option of putting himself at enemies’ mercy
or seizing complete control of power. He chose to seize
power. In 48 BC he marched into Rome, took control, and
had himself declared sole dictator of Rome.
Dictator
 Caesar tried to crush Pompey’s power by following him to
Greece, then to Egypt.
 In Egypt Pompey was killed before Caesar could capture
him.
 Caesar stayed in Egypt to be with Cleopatra and seized the
throne of Egypt for her.
 From Egypt Caesar went to Spain to defeat Pompey’s sons
and gain control there.
The Unconquerable God
 Caesar returned to Rome from his conquering & was
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declared dictator for ten years.
Saw that his supporters (including Brutus) became Senators.
Caesar started to make some of the governmental reforms
that he had promised and gained more power from the
people.
Became so power hungry he erected a statue of himself that
said “To the Unconquerable God,” in the temple of Quirinus.
Talk about a super ego!
Common people still loved Caesar, declared him dictator for
life. (He gave them handouts & bribes).
Growing Opposition
 Many people thought that Caesar’s ambition had to stop.
 The last Roman king/dictator had been overthrown 450
years before and the Romans set up a Republican
government.
 The “free Romans” didn’t want another king.
 Caesar’s arrogance and love of power became so hated by the
Senators that they plotted to assassinate him.
Assassination (what went wrong…)
 Was impatient & actually somewhat forgiving. Consequently,
he used many of his former enemies as part of his
government policy. (Keep your friends close & your enemies
closer).
 Growing ego got in the way of the good of Rome.
 Two who planned the plot were former enemies whom
Caesar forgave, pardoned, trusted and loved. These two men
were Gaius Cassius Longinus and Marcus Junius Brutus.
That’s why he uttered, “Et tu, Brute” (You too, Brutus?)
 Others of the 60 co-conspirators were former friends of
Caesar.
Assassination, cont.
 Was assassinated on March 15, 44 BC (Ides of March).
 Main conspirators fled Rome
 Three of Caesar’s closest followers formed the Second
Triumvirate (Antonius, Lepidus and Octavius)
 They pursued & defeated the assassins
 Second Triumvirate turned on each other and fought a second
civil war.
 Octavius (Caesar’s great-nephew and heir) won. He became
Augustus Caesar, first of the Roman emperors.
Personality and Reputation
 Caesar wasn’t and isn’t lovable
 Generosity to defeated opponents never helped them to love
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or appreciate them, and in effect led to his assassination.
Won his soldiers’ affection by winning battles that his
intellect instrumented.
He was “smart” in many areas: administration, government,
military, manipulation, political ambition, public speaking,
writing and propaganda.
He was intellectually and physically energetic
Very strong swimmer
Roman Government
 Consul: two elected every year by the Assembly to serve one
year. It was the Consul’s job to govern Rome. They presided
over the Senate and assemblies, administered legislation,
were generals in the military, and represented Rome in
foreign affairs.
 Dictator: A Roman magistrate with absolute authority.
There was only ever one at a time because of the power to
put other magistrates to death.
 Forum: the religious, political and economic town square
and center of all Rome.
Roman Government, cont.
 Governor: leader of a specific province, could rule the
military and print money in that area and was the chief judge.
He is also known as a propraetor.
 Assembly: gathering of patricians and plebeians to vote for
consuls, tribunes and magistrates. You had to be present to
vote.
 Patrician: wealthy citizens of Rome. They lived in grand
houses, had slaves, and as citizens were able to vote at
Assembly.
 Plebian: not wealthy, but were citizens. They were usually
craftsmen & tradesmen. They worked for a living. They were
allowed to vote at Assembly.
Roman Government, Cont.
 Province: a basic unit of territory throughout the Roman
reach.
 Senate: This was composed of 600 magistrates and exmagistrates who served for life unless kicked out by censors.
They tried to enact rules and laws.
 Tribune: a title shared by elected officials. There were
usually about 10 of them. They could veto any act and stop
any official administration. If they were ever attacked, the
attacker was killed.
 Slaves: no rights, no freedom, no citizens, no voting.
Roman Politics