Download Julius Caesar Background

Julius Caesar Background
The life and times of a Roman ruler
Political History
For centuries, Romans debated and even
fought civil wars while trying to decide
whether to be a monarchy, republic, or
dictatorship.
Until 509 B.C., Rome was a monarchy.
But, in that year, the Brutus family evicted
Tarquinius Superbus from the throne and
Rome was established as a republic.
Political History
 The people discovered, however, that they
had merely exchanged rule by a king for rule
by a group of wealthy Romans called
patricians.
 By 100 B.C., Rome was a moderate
democracy in form: in actual practice,
Rome was being ruled by the Senate.
Political History
Julius Caesar (102?-44 B.C.) was a patrician
but cast his lot with the people, gaining their
favor by:
 spending money for public entertainment
 establishing laws freeing farmers and
tradesmen from heavy taxes
Political History
 In 60 B.C., a triumvirate (a three-man rule)
of Caesar, Crassus and Pompey was
formed to govern Rome.
 In 58 B.C., Caesar was made governor of
part of Gaul (an area now encompassing
southern France and northern Italy), and at
the age of 44 began his military career.
 During the next 10 years, he proceeded to
conquer all of Gaul.
Political History
 After Crassus was killed while conducting a
military campaign in Parthia, trouble began
to develop between Pompey and Caesar.
 Pompey, jealous of Caesar’s popularity,
persuaded the Senate to order Caesar to
disband his army and return to Rome.
Political History
 But Caesar, with his army, crossed the
Rubicon River which separated Gaul from
Italy, invaded Rome, and made himself
absolute ruler of Rome.
 Meanwhile, Pompey fled to Greece.
 Caesar defeated Pompey’s army at
Pharsalia (48 B.C.) and Pompey fled to
Egypt where he was later murdered.
Political History
 Three years after the battle of Pharsalia,
Caesar defeated Pompey’s two sons at
Munda, Spain.
 By now, Caesar had been made dictator for
life.
 Thus, Shakespeare begins his play with
Caesar returning in victory from Spain.
Caesar was the undisputed leader and
master of the entire Roman World.
Julius Caesar Terms
 Bondsman – Slave
 Commons – the common people
 Consul – the chief magistrate and highest
official in Roman republic
 Dictator – total political control by one
person
 Plebian – the common people
Julius Caesar Terms
 Praetor – Roman judge or magistrate next to
consul in rank.
 Rabblement/rout – the rabble, mob
 Senators – mainly patricians (wealthy, highborn citizens) who make the laws
 Tribune – a magistrate who protects the
rights of the lower class
 Triumvirate – rule by three men