Background for the play Julius Caesar History of Rome Background for the play Julius Caesar

Early Rome Ruled by an Etruscan king 509 BC: Romans overthrew the Etruscan king This was the start of the Roman State Set up a Republic: Individuals elected by the people share power Never wanted to be ruled by a dictatorial king again

Form of the Republic Ruled by the Senate 300 men chosen by people to govern From Patrician class: landholding upper class Served for life 2 consuls from this group chosen each year Supervise the govt; control military One term only Must consult with the Senate on decisions

Form of the Republic Senate could select a “Dictator in times of war 6 month term at most Must be a senator chosen by the Senate For efficiency Point of honor to step down as quickly as possible Other officials also chosen for special office Finance, religion, justice, etc: like our Cabinet

The Plebians Lower classes: farmers, merchants, artisans By far the bulk of Rome Not represented in the Senate! Wanted more say in the ruling of Rome

The Plebians Forced changes to the original Republic Publish laws ( so they can defend themselves in court) Tribunes: plebian officials who could veto Senate laws (forces Senate to consider plebian concerns) Eventually, plebians were allowed to be chosen to serve in the Senate

Civil War: Causes Rome expands greatly and too rapidly due to conquest Brings great wealth: but only to some while other grow poorer Military leaders gain influence due to amassed riches from conquest Soldiers more loyal to generals then Senate because generals PAY THEM!

Civil War: Causes Growing number of dissatisfied plebians in Rome Restless, poor, unemployed due to exporting jobs to slaves Ambitious leaders use this unrest to cause riots, chaos against the Senate Increased gov’t corruption Self-interest and greed replace core Roman values of loyalty, duty, honor

Civil War Results 100 years if civil war between rival generals vying for power Senate losing influence: Republic is threatened Slave uprisings Roman allies rebel against power of Rome Unwieldy Roman empire becomes impossible to control and administer from Rome

Biggest Result!! Caesar Wins! Caesar, one of the warring generals, wins out and gains power, effectively ending the Roman Republic Caesar & Pompey emerge as popular leaders: loved by plebians who saw them as their champions against the established Senate that largely ignored their concerns

Biggest Result!! Caesar Wins! Caesar conquers Gaul (France) in wars from 59-50 B.C. Pompey: jealous and afraid of Caesar’s success and growing popularity Pompey joins forces with Senate against Caesar Senate commands Caesar to return to Rome: he ignores them and continues his wars of conquest Eventually, Caesar attacks and destroys Pompey’s army as it defends Rome

Biggest Result!! Caesar Wins! Enters Rome welcomed as a conquering hero by the plebians Ends Civil War This is where the play Julius Caesar begins Forces Senate to name him “Dictator for Life” effectively takes all of their power Causes massive anger and resentment among the previously powerful senators They do nothing at first due to fear of Caesar’s army and his influence with the people

Biggest Result!! Caesar Wins! Ruled for only a short time: 48-44 B.C. Enacted many reforms; did many good things Finally, he is assassinated by disgruntled senators: on the Ides of March (March 15th) 44 B.C. Created power vacuum and chaos once again

Final Stage Antony joins with Octavious (nephew of Caesar) to destroy the conspirators who killed Caesar: they avenge Caesar’s death Then, Antony and Octavious battle for power: difficult to share power . . . Octavious wins. Becomes 1st real Emporer of Rome, truly ending the Roman republic for the most part.