Julius Caesar Background Information

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar Most scholars agree that Shakespeare wrote The Tragedy of Julius Caesar in 1599. This play is based upon the assassination of Julius Caesar by his close friends and confidants.

Background Information The Romans were superstitious. They believed that future events could be seen in dreams, the stars, and unnatural occurrences. Many Romans believed that fate controlled one’s life.

Background Information In 503 BC, Rome ended the rule of the Tarquins, a series of harsh, cruel rulers. Rome decided to never again be under the rule of such an oppressive government. They refused ALL forms of government that consisted of kings or emperors, basically any ruler who achieves power based on inheritance instead of an election.

Rome’s Government: After the Tarquins Rome set up a republic: A government in which officials are elected. The new government is made up of two parts: Two consuls (leaders) and a senate. + +

The Consuls were elected officials. They appointed the Senate members who could be from any walk of life—noble or common.

Julius Caesar’s Rise to Power Julius Caesar got into politics during a time in which the Consuls and the Senate were having problems. In this time of instability and arguing, he became an outspoken leader. Consuls Senate

Julius Caesar Pompey Crassus In 60 BC the first triumvirate (3-person governing body) was formed. It consisted of Caesar, a famous general named Pompey, and a wealthy man named Crassus. Julius Caesar Pompey Crassus

After Crassus died, Pompey began to fear that Caesar was growing too powerful and popular.

At this time, Caesar and his army were far away from Rome, conquering many lands for the Roman Empire.

Pompey ordered Caesar back so that he would not have to fear Caesar and his powerful army. Instead, Caesar attacked Pompey, defeating his forces and killing him in the midst. Pompey

Caesar = Dictator for Life Caesar returned to Rome and was accepted by the people for his military abilities. He was loved for all of the goods he brought back from his conquests, and he was elected Dictator for Life. This meant that he would rule Rome until his death, and the next leader would have to be elected. We Love Ceasar!!! Caesar = Dictator for Life

Many believed that Caesar wanted to be emperor instead of just Dictator for Life. If he was Emperor, Julius Caesar’s son would inherit the throne after his death.

Many feared that Caesar would bring back a style of governing similar to Tarquin’s. To prevent this, some members of the senate carried out a deceitful plan . . .

Death March 15, 44BCE Caesar attended the last meeting of the Senate before he was scheduled to depart to lead a military campaign against the Parthinians. Sixty conspirators also attended, with concealed daggers in the togas, and struck Caesar no less than 23 times as he stood at the base of Pompey’s statue. This is where Caesar said the famous phrase ‘Et tu, Brutus?’ The conspirators didn’t think to also kill Mark Antony, who had a whole legion behind him, as well as the keys to Caesar’s money boxes and his will.

Historical Importance Caesar’s death marked the end of the Roman Republic, and the beginning of the Roman Empire. The Second Triumvirate was formed as well, giving power to both Marc Antony, and Caesar’s son, Octavian. Octavian defeated Marc Antony, who at this time was married to Cleopatra (who had also had a relationship with Caesar) and the two committed suicide together, leaving Octavian as the leader of the Roman Empire, which would last until 400 CE. Caeser was a skilled general, and his leadership helped Rome gain more land. His rule as a dictator lasted over ten years, although many of his decisions were made without the decision of the senate.

Caesar’s Coins Caesar was the first Roman to have his face put on a coin while he was still alive The Romans believed only ancestors and gods could be pictured Caesar was equating himself with gods and Eastern kings