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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Biggest Result!! Caesar Wins!
Caesar conquers Gaul (France) in wars from 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

12. 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

13. Biggest Result!! Caesar Wins!
Ruled for only a short time: 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

14. 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.