1. LIFE IN CAESAR’S TIME

2. Three Forms of Government
A monarchy is run by a king.
Government run by the people through their elected representatives.
Government run by one individual.
During Caesar’s time, people fought over these governments.

3. SOCIETY

4. Emperors Wore a toga that was entirely purple Lived in the best villas
Had the finest foods, furnishings, and clothing
Leisurely
Gossipy
You couldn’t just get the throne because it was in your family, you always had to fight for your position
Usually involved murder and backstabbing

5. “[This is] what’s wrong with the system that Augustus
established. It’s a system that’s only as strong as the male
member of the family who comes to power is, emotionally
and physically. And while there were some very impressive people, most notably Augustus, who assumed his role, there were others who had a great deal wrong with them. And a lot of what was wrong with them was merely living in this household where people were constantly vying for power and favor.” Judith Hallett

6. Patricians Required in order to be an Emperor Education
Patricians wore a white toga with a purple strip along the edge.
Privileged
Dominated religion, politics, and military
Most are landowners
They can be appointed by an Emperor
Required in order to be an Emperor
Education
Literature, poetry, mythology, history, geography, Greek, public speaking.
Older students would study law

7. Senators Wore a purple striped toga 600 men Sons of senators or
Roman citizens over 25 who had military experience
Nominated by the emperor

8. Senator's Jobs and Privileges
Appoint new senators
Preside over senate
Propose legislation
No payment
Very few can afford it
PRIVILEGES
Special seating at ceremonies and games
Hold offices at court
Wearing the toga

9. Equestrians Led and formed the calvary
New laws in 218 BC prevented Senators from engaging in commerce. This allowed more businessmen
Sons of senators were automatically classified as Equestrians
Worked as civil servants

10. Plebians Lowest on scale Usually struggled Unable to record life
Bakers, builders, artisans
Usually struggled
Unable to record life
Tried to save money so they could move up to Equestrian level
 power and population
Always a risk of uprising
Emperors benefit to keep them happy.

11. “The poor of the ancient world don’t speak to us
“The poor of the ancient world don’t speak to us. They don’t leave their voices.. The writings that come to us from antiquity are the writings of the elite. The art that comes is the art of an elite . . .But the poor in any city are going to have a very hard time making due. They’re going to be working on a per day basis. And if there is rain and there is no work in construction they are going to be close to starvation. “
Ronald Mellor

12. One key to constituency for Augustus was the Plebeian population of Rome-- and that is basically the city mob. You have several hundred thousand folks here who have no jobs and, to put it very simply, who need to be kept off the streets, and be kept from making trouble. Because it’s a very volatile, combustible mix there.
Karl Galinsky

13. Julius Caesar Born: 100 BC Died: 44 BC Worked his way up in office by
Spending money for public education
Make laws to get rid of taxes for farmers & their debts
Held public free entertainment

15. Government in 60 BC

16. Crassus
Slain in Mesopotamia

17. Pompey Jealous of Caesar’s power and left
Caesar followed Pompey’s men and eventually defeated them.
Pompey fled to Egypt where he was later killed.

18. Caesar
Caesar now had limitless power. The people began to realize this, and they sent out a decree which stated that he must disband his army or be an enemy of the state. He accepted the challenge.

19. Absolute Ruler 48 BC: Dictator 46 BC: Dictator for 10 years
45 BC: Dictator for life

21. This is where the play begins.