Hail Caesar! April 30, 2012

How to become leader of Rome Get an army together Go conquer some far-away land and steal a bunch of money March back into Rome, show off your riches and loyal army of battle-hardened warriors Seize power through popularity and fear

The First Triumvirate Julius Caesar had great success at conquests in Gaul and Britain. He used this to seize power in 60BC He ruled in conjunction with two other popular generals: Pompey and Crassus Together, they made up the First Triumvirate Crassus died in battle in 53, Pompey attempted to seize power and allied himself with the powerful Senate Pompey had the Senate vote to force Caesar to disband his army

Crossing the Rubicon Caesar refused this order and marched his army toward Rome. The Rubicon river represented the southern boundary to Rome. Crossing it with his army, could mean treason and could lead to civil war Caesar took a gamble, civil war followed but he was victorious and accepted as a hero.

Hail Caesar Caesar took control of the Senate and became dictator, for life! He undertook many reforms to strengthen Rome and protect his own power Made people outside Italy citizens Established colonies in North Africa, Spain, France and Greece and sent unemployed Romans there Increased the pay of soldiers He dressed in a purple toga, wore a laurel wreath on his head and reveled in many trappings of royalty

Conspiracy! The Senate feared Caesar was going to attempt to crown himself King of Rome Fear led to conspiracy Brutus and Cassius conspired to murder Caesar and save the republic As Caesar entered the Senate on the March 15, 44 he was stabbed to death (23 times) by a gang of conspirators; Roman Senators who called themselves Liberators

Caesar Assignment Write an account from the perspective of a Roman upon hearing the news of Caesar’s Assassination Describe what happened Describe how you heard about it Describe an emotional response Describe concerns\fears about Caesar being killed Describe concerns for the future