Download Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar
By William
Shakespeare
Standards:
1.6 RL, 4.1 SL
Rome at the time of
Julius Caesar
Rome – Republic (People mattered.)
Senate
Advisory role
to those in
power.
Assembly
Elected a
dictator in
times of crisis
Note: Commoners cannot vote, they are not a
part of the Senate or Assembly, but they are
represented.
Law and legislation for
entire Republic.
Represented the
commoners.
So, what is the problem?
•
•
•
•
• The First Triumvirate happens!
Caesar, Pompey and Crassus establish
Marshall Law. Take control!
Each man was going to control a specific
geographic location.
They expand the Roman Republic territory
into Britain. Crassus was killed in battle.
The Senate
Pompey.
Caesar establishes his power
• Senate fears Caesar’s popularity. Votes for
Pompey to rule alone.
• When Caesar refuses to give up his power,
Civil War erupts.
• Caesar emerges as the unrivaled leader of the
new Roman Empire. (it’s no longer a
Republic)
• (Marc Antony is a general of Caesar)
• The people
Caesar!! xoxo
• The people view Caesar as one of their own.
Maintaining Power
• Flooded the Senate with his supporters
• Gave land to the poor
The Second Triumvirate
• Octavian, Antony, Lepidus
• Eventually only Octavian and Antony
• Antony allied with Egypt and Cleopatra but
Octavian crushed them.
• Antony and Cleopatra fled and committed
suicide a year later. (Antony=sword,
Cleopatra=snakes)
• Octavian ruled = Age of Augustus
Important people
to know
• Julius Caesar - the Roman general who has
claimed the role of dictator of the Roman
Empire (“Republic”)
• Brutus – a Roman nobleman. Caesar’s friend
but he participates in the conspiracy.
Motivated by his sense of honor.
• Antony - a loyal friend to Caesar. Motivated
by passion.
• Cassius – a general. Manipulative and a leader
of the conspirators.
• Octavius – Caesar’s adopted son and
appointed successor. He is travelling abroad.
*Grand-nephew* *Historically known as
Augustus*
• Casca – a conspirator. A tribune (elected to
represent the people of Rome).
• Calphurnia – Caesar’s wife
• Portia – Brutus’ wife.
• Flavuis and Murellus – Tribunes who
condemn the crowd
• Cicero – Roman Senator
• Lepidus – 3rd member of Antony + Octavius
triumvirate.
• Decius – member of the conspiracy.
Themes to know
1. Fate vs Free Will: Was Caesar's death fate or did he
cause it himself?
2. Rhetoric and Power: How do speaking abilities
relate to the power a character has?
3. Public vs Private: How do people present
themselves in public and which way is better?
Which is valued?
4. Inflexibility vs Compromise: Who survives and
thrives? The stubborn or those who compromise?