1. Julius Caesar
History

2. His Name Gaius Julius Caesar
His given name was one of only eight names given to boys
Julius
His family name
Caesar
Name of Gaius’ branch of the Julius family (originally mean “hairy”)
HAIR

3. Upbringing Poor patricians who lived among the plebians
Good name with the upper class
Mingled with both classes
Good mother (Aurelia)
Father died when Caesar was 15

4. Caesar Builds Prominence
Uncle Marius: Six-time consul
As a teenager, Caesar named Flamen Dialis
High Priest of Jupiter, for life
Extreme prestige
Wealth
However, not allowed to
Touch metal
Ride horses
See corpses
So Caesar left Rome

5. Caesar Enters Dangerous Times
Uncle Marius is reelected a 7th time, but dies soon after
Marius’ ally, Cinna, takes over
Caesar marries Cinna’s daughter, Cornelia
Without his uncle’s power to protect him, Caesar must be careful to protect himself against his uncle’s longtime enemy, Sulla

6. Caesar Enters Dangerous Times
Cinna Dies
The enemy Sulla takes over Rome and all leftover Marius supporters with the help of Crassus and Pompey
Sulla names himself dictator
He demands Caesar divorce Cornelia and takes away his Flamen Dialis title

7. Caesar Regroups Caesar’s family beg for his life and he is pardoned
Although not exiled, he leaves Italy anyway
He joins the Army in Asia Minor and achieves title of corona civica, another extremely high honor
Returns to Rome and builds up his reputation again

8. A Roman Government Refresher
Patricians: Full citizens
Plebian: Partial citizens
Slaves: No rights as citizens

9. A Roman Government Refresher
Consuls: Heads of state, usually 2 elected by Senate
Senate: Legislature elected to represent the citizens
Plebiscite: Legislature elected to represent the Plebians (advisory only)
Tribunes: Local reps of plebians within specific Roman districts

10. 60 BC Caesar Crassius Pompey Gaul, Southern France, Britain, Germany
Southern Italy
Pompey
Greece, Asia Minor, etc.

11. 51 BC
Crassus Dies
Pompey & Senate scheme for total control of Rome; order Caesar to disband armies

12. 51 BC Caesar Refuses and attacks Rome.
He wins and sends Pompey to exile where he dies in Egypt

13. Caesar’s Reign 48 BC: Named dictator by the senate
46 BC: Named dictator for 10 years
45 BC: Named dictator for life
45 BC: Caesar defeats Pompey’s sons in Munda, Spain
44 BC: Caesar seeks to be named king