General. Politician. Tyrant? Julius Caesar General. Politician. Tyrant?

Early career 102/100 BC – born. His family had noble, patrician roots, although they were neither rich nor influential in this period. 85 BC – his father dies and Caesar becomes the head of his family. 91-78 BC – Civil War at Rome during which Caesar begins his military career but at one point his was a victim of the proscriptions (he was stripped of his inheritance and had to go into hiding). 78 BC – began a career as a legal advocate. 75 BC – held for ransom by pirates. 68/67 BC – elected as a magistrate and joins the Senate. 63 BC – elected as Pontifex Maximus. He did however claim to be descended from the goddess Venus through his father’s side..

60 BC - Political Alliance Pompey Crassus Glorious past military career Supported by the Senate Wants to maintain his influence and power Very rich and influential Supported by those in business and trade Wants to maintain his business interests First Triumvirate

Gaul

Civil War (again) 53 BC - Crassus dies. The triumvirate is over and Caesar and Pompey are left to fight for power. Pompey is in Rome with the Senate supporting him. Caesar is in Gaul with the army supporting him. 49 BC – Caesar crosses the Rubicon and marches on Rome starting a civil war.

Dictatorship Caesar pardons everyone who asks for forgiveness. He starts a rebuilding programme in Rome. He introduces political reforms. He celebrated several triumphs celebrating his victory. He associated himself with Jupiter. He made himself perpetual dictator. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_ETZPJQBko

Ides of March 44 BC - Assassination Series of omens that Caesar would soon be killed. For example, his wife Calpurnia had a dream the night before where she saw their house crumbling and Caesar dead in her arms. She begged him not to attend the Senate that day. The Senate met in the Theatre of Pompey. One of the leaders of the conspiracy was Marcus Brutus who was a trusted friend and relative of Caesar. His involvement was a particular was a particularly bitter betrayal for Caesar. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwGDXp24uWo