Alliance of Caesar, Crassus, & Pompey Lasted from 60 B.C. – 53 B.C. Combines the abilities of 3 powerful men: Caesar: enormous popularity and great legal reputation Crassus: great wealth and influence within the Equestrian order Pompey: great spectacular wealth and military reputation

Caesar wins great victories in Gaul Crassus dies after losing a battle in Persia Pompey is elected consul but is jealous of Caesar’s fame & success

Pompey thinks that Caesar’s popularity will make him consul Tells Caesar to disband his army & report home Caesar agreed to resign if Pompey did also The Senate demands he immediately disband his army & return hom

Caesar denies the request and marches his army across the Rubicon River This is a sign of war Caesar has committed treason by crossing the Rubicon with his army “Ilia iacta est.” (“The die has been cast.”)

Pompey & the Senate’s legions fight Caesar’s in Greece Pompey is defeated and flees to Egypt Caesar’s men find him and kill him Caesar continues on toward Egypt

Caesar defeated Ptolemy's army Makes Cleopatra the ruling pharaoh Falls in love with her and she gives birth to his son, Caesarion

Caesar returns to Rome & is elected dictator for life Helps the poor get jobs Expands Rome’s territory Increases soldier’s salaries Creates the Julian Calendar

The Senate is upset about how much power he has Caesar sees an oracle who tells him “Beware of the Ides of March” Caesar is stabbed 23 times by his closest friends, Brutus and Cassius “…et tu, Brute?”

Assassination of Julius Caesar (100-44 B. C. ) in Roman Senate Assassination of Julius Caesar (100-44 B.C.) in Roman Senate. Painting (19th century), by Vincenzo Camuccini.

Caesar’s friend Mark Antony, adopted son Octavian, & the politician Lepidus Form the Second Triumvirate But then they turn on each other and Octavian defeats Marc Antony Octavian becomes the first Roman Emperor and changes his name to Caesar Augustus

Antony also met and fell in love with Cleopatra They had several children together When Antony realized he was defeated he committed suicide Cleopatra killed herself soon after

Who would you consider the heroes in this story and who are the villains? Explain your reasoning for each.