Julius Caesar: The Man and the Play “Veni, vidi, vici!”

Caesar, the Man Born around 100 B.C. One of the greatest military leaders of all time. Helped make Rome the center of an empire encompassing much of Europe. Known as a talented speaker, politician, and writer.

Caesar, the Man He married at the age of 17 to Cornelia. Daughter named Julia. Cornelia died in 68 B.C. In 60 B.C., Caesar joined with Pompey and Crassus to form the First Triumvirate, which means “three men” or “rule by three.” This alliance ruled Rome.

Caesar, the Man The First Triumvirate took over the Senate and ruled Rome. Caesar had the backing of the Legions (army). Pompey had the political power. Crassus had financial backing. In 59 B.C., Caesar remarried to Calpurnia The same year, Pompey married Caesar’s daughter, Julia.

Caesar, the Man He frightened his political opponents which later led directly to his death. After many military successes, Pompey became increasingly jealous of Caesar. Pompey decided to join with Rome’s conservative leaders and try to get rid of Caesar. This ripped apart the triumvirate and caused a civil war in 49 B.C.

Caesar, the Man When Caesar returned to Italy, Pompey warned him that if he crossed the Rubicon River then Caesar was declaring war on Rome. Caesar responded with “Alea iacta est,” which translates to “the die is cast.”

So the war began… Within 60 days, Caesar had conquered Italy. Almost 5 years later, Caesar took over the rest of the Roman Empire. Caesar appointed himself dictator of the empire.

The Roman Empire

After the war… After defeating Pompey, Caesar pardoned his enemy’s supporters. These same men later took part in Caesar’s assassination. Died March 15, 44 B.C.

“What’s in a name?” The name “Caesar” eventually became not a name, but a word meaning “ruler” or “chief” in Latin. The term “Caesar” evolved into other languages: Kaiser – a German leader Czar – a Russian leader The term “caesarian section,” a.k.a. “C-section” can be traced back to Julius Caesar because it was believed that he did not have a natural childbirth but instead was “cut from the womb.”

Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Julius Caesar Written in 1599 A historical play based upon the assassination of Julius Caesar by his close friends and confidants. As a schoolboy, Shakespeare gained much of his knowledge about Caesar and Roman life from Plutarch’s The Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans.

Shakespeare’s Tragedy of Julius Caesar The play takes place during a time of great political turmoil. Julius Caesar and Gnaeus Pompey have been fighting against each other during a civil war. The play begins as Caesar returns to Rome after his defeat of Pompey and his sons. The action of the play is spread out over 5 acts exploring friendship, betrayal, and the ambition.

Famous quotes from Tragedy of Julius Caesar “Cowards die many times before their actual deaths.” “Experience is the teacher of all things.” “Beware the ides of March.” “But, for my own part, it was Greek to me.”