1. Major Themes
Fate vs. Free Will- Are the lives of humans governed by fate or free will?
2. Ignorance of the Masses- How do people in power affect the lives of those who are not?
3. Power- Is absolute power ever good or useful?
4. Loyalty- Should you be loyal to a person or an idea? Should you ever be unconditionally loyal?

2. Patricians Rich and powerful families
Elite and noble class in ancient Rome
They felt Caesar was giving their power and rights to the commoners (plebs)

3. Plebeians The non-slave, non-wealthy majority in ancient Rome
They supported Julius Caesar since he helped keep them employed, gave them money and power in the government.
Caesar treated them equal to the Patricians

5. Julius Caesar
Elected to rule Rome with two other men (Crassus and Pompey)
Leaves Rome to fight in several wars which costs money but leads to an expansion of land and resources; especially after invading Gaul
He has one child: a daughter who is married to Pompey
Civil War against the Patricians and his old partner Pompey (after his daughter dies)
Declares himself “Dictator for Life”

6. Pompey
Pompey took care of the consul when Caesar was fighting wars to gain land/money.
When Julia (Caesar’s daughter and Pompey’s wife) died during childbirth all family ties between Caesar and Pompey ended
Pompey refuses to marry any other relative of Caesar.
He marries into Caesar’s enemies family instead
Pompey then tells Caesar he can return to consul if he gives up his armies…civil war begins

7. Marcus Brutus Best friends with Julius Caesar
When Civil War between Pompey and Caesar starts, he takes Pompey’s side (like other Patricians)
After Pompey was killed, Caesar forgives Brutus for his betrayal
When Caesar declares himself dictator, Brutus and other Patricians fear his power. They begin a plot to assassinate him

8. Brutus
Personal friend of Caesar, yet wonders whether, as a ruler, he will overstep his powers and become a tyrant rather than a good head of state.

9. Cassius Envious and Jealous
Suspicious of Caesar from the beginning, gathers others into the band
Convinces Brutus to join with them in their plans for assassination

10. Mark Antony Appalled at the killing of the head of state
Loyal friend and supporter of Caesar, whom he believes will make a good ruler of Rome.
Appalled at the killing of the head of state
Although he shakes hands with the conspirators immediately after the murder, he vows to avenge Caesar’s death.

11. Antony Antony gives a funeral oration over
Caesar’s dead body that stirs
the crowd to anger and desire for
revenge.
He will be one of the
three rulers of Rome, after
Caesar’s death, and he gathers
an army to fight the
killers.

12. Words to Know
Consul: Highest position a person can obtain in Ancient Rome. This was usually shared between 2-3 people. This position was shared between Caesar, Pompey and Crassus.
Republic: Where things are decided by the majority. People, laws are passed through elections. Rome was very proud of its republic, until Caesar got rid of it.
Conspirators: people who plan something (in this case, Caesar’s assassination)
Tyrant: a person who uses his/her power unjustly or inappropriately. People who didn’t support Caesar (Patricians) called him this.
Dictatorship: When one person holds absolute power. Caesar calls himself “Dictator for Life”