Anticipation Guide It is never right to kill another person It is never right to kill another person AgreeDisagree

Anticipation Guide It is sometimes acceptable to betray your friends It is sometimes acceptable to betray your friends AgreeDisagree

Anticipation Guide The more success and power you have, the more people dislike you. The more success and power you have, the more people dislike you. AgreeDisagree

Anticipation Guide Political leaders usually act in the best interest of their countries Political leaders usually act in the best interest of their countries AgreeDisagree

Anticipation Guide No cause, political or otherwise, is worth dying for. No cause, political or otherwise, is worth dying for. AgreeDisagree

Anticipation Guide If a political leader has done something wrong, it is okay to get rid of him or her by whatever means necessary If a political leader has done something wrong, it is okay to get rid of him or her by whatever means necessary AgreeDisagree

Julius Caesar Background Information

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

Background Information The Romans were superstitious. The Romans were superstitious. They believed that future events could be seen in dreams, the stars, and unnatural occurrences. They believed that future events could be seen in dreams, the stars, and unnatural occurrences. Many Romans believed that fate controlled one’s life. 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. 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. 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: Rome set up a republic: A government in which officials are elected. A government in which officials are elected. The new government is made up of two parts: The new government is made up of two parts: Two consuls (leaders) and a senate. ++

The Consuls were elected officials. The Consuls were elected officials. They appointed the Senate members who could be from any walk of life—noble or common. 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. 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. In this time of instability and arguing, he became an outspoken leader. Senate Consuls

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

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

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 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. Caesar = Dictator for Life We Love Ceasar!!!

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... plan...