JULIUS CAESAR July 13, 100 BC – March 15, 44 BC

Old Rome For centuries, Romans debated and even fought civil wars while trying to decide whether a monarchy, a republic, or a dictatorship was the best form of government. Until 510 BC = Monarchy 509 BC – Brutus family evicted King Rome = Republic 509+ Monarchy vs. Republic – Which is better???? King Wealthy Patricians

CAESAR IS BORN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By 100 BC, Rome was a moderate democracy in form; in actual practice, Rome was being ruled by the Senate. In 100 BC, Caesar was born to a family NOT prominent. However, through important government connections, he received some important government assignments. At 20, he was honored for bravery during a seige.

His Married Life At 22 years old, Caesar was married to Cornelia. In 69 BC, Cornelia died. They had a daughter together – Julia. Caesar had an affair with Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, which produced a son, Caesarion. However, since he was illegitimate, he could not stand to be Caesar’s heir. He later adopted a nephew, Octavian (known as Augustus) to become his son/heir. At his death, he was married to Calpurnia – she was barren.

His Power Grows! Julius Caesar was a patrician, but he cast his lot with the people. He gained their support by spending money for public entertainment and establishing laws freeing farmers and tradesmen from heavy taxes. In 60 BC, the first triumvirate (3-man rule) was formed: Caesar + Crassus + Pompey Patrician Wealth General

Trouble’s ‘a Brewin’ Crassus died. Conflict began between Caesar and Pompey. Caesar – controlled Gaul (North) Pompey – controlled Rome (South) *At this time, generals had their own separate armies and could start civil wars!! Caesar took his army across the Rubicon River (dividing line between their regions) to start a civil war with Pompey. Pompey was defeated and fled to Greece. Caesar became head of the military of Rome. This marked the end of the Roman Republic!

DICTATOR!!!! Caesar became dictator of Rome for one year – 49 BC. Pompey made a come back in 48 BC, but Caesar’s army defeated them once again. Pompey fled to Egypt in 48 BC where he was later murdered!! (Hmmmm….) Caesar was appointed dictator for another 2 years in 48 BC, then for 10 years in 46 BC. In 44 BC, Caesar had defeated Pompey’s 2 sons in Spain (when the play begins).

Dictator for Life (and Death)! Shakespeare begins his play with Caesar returning in victory from Spain. He is the undisputed leader and master of the Roman Empire, especially since he has just been made Dictator for Life!! Caesar was assassinated on the Ides of March 44 BC because republicans feared his absolute control. Aristocrats – could not gain office to challenge his control of the senate Republicans – feared monarchy (like in 510 BC)

Some Side Notes Caesar was the first ruler to have his head placed on Roman coins during his lifetime. Cassius was one of Caesar’s friends who was discontented when he didn’t receive sufficient reward for helping Caesar in battle. Coincidental that Brutus was a descendent of the Brutus that killed the last Roman monarch in 510 BC. After Caesar’s assassination, Rome had 13 years of civil wars!! CHAOS!!!!

ANACHRONISMS Chronologically displaced event, detail, word, or phrase in a literary work Now that we know the play takes place in 44 BC, note the anachronisms Shakespeare has in the play! “Ay, marry was’t, and he put it by thrice…” “…he plucked me ope his doublet and offered them his throat to cut.” “Peace! Count the clock. The clock hath stricken three.” “O, what time have you chose…to wear a kerchief!” “Look, Lucius, here’s the book I sought for…”