LIFE IN CAESAR’S TIME

Three Forms of Government Dictatorship Monarchy Republic A monarchy is run by a king. Government run by the people through their elected representatives. Government run by one individual. Have students see if they can guess which type of government is the defined During Caesar’s time, people fought over these governments.

SOCIETY

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 Be sure to highlight that they had to fight for their positions and the conflict that can cause. When you want the throne, you do what you have to do to get it. We also ususally talk about why purple—the royalty, the expense.

“[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 I sometimes skip this. . .

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

Senators Wore a purple striped toga 600 men Sons of senators or Roman citizens over 25 who had military experience Nominated by the emperor We talk a lot about why it’s important to be nominated by an emperor. Who is he going to nominate? Etc.. .

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 Compare to modern day senators

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

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. We always discuss the fact that they had the least power politically, but because of their high numbers, they would revolt easily. It was the emperor’s benefit to keep them happy. Caesar did that, which was why the Senators hated him.

“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

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

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 We talk about the three ways he worked his way up. Goes back to the Plebeians. He was smart and knew he needed to keep them happy. Those who were the lowest in society didn’t have money for education, so they loved him because he paid for education. He helped farmers out when they needed it. Entertainment was free, so those low in society could have some. However, the Senators hated that he was spending so much money.

Government in 60 BC Define Triumvarte: 3 man government. We talk about what it would be like to have Obama, Bush, and Clinton all as President together. Would it work? Why not?

Crassus Slain in Mesopotamia Here’s what happened to Crassus. Now it’s a two man gov’t. So what would it be like to have Obama and Bush as President together?

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. What happened to Pompey. Now who is left? Why is this important?

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.

Absolute Ruler 48 BC: Dictator 46 BC: Dictator for 10 years 45 BC: Dictator for life When you get to the last one, what is the only way to get rid of a dictator for life? Kill him!

We look at Caesar’s empire, and just how much land he had and how much power he had.

This is where the play begins.