1. The history behind the fiction
Intro to Julius Caesar
The history behind the fiction

2. The Real Gaius Julius Caesar: Early Life
Born in Subura, Rome in the year 100 B.C.
From an aristocratic family that could trace their bloodlines back to the founding of Rome.
His parents were well-off, but they weren't rich by Roman standards.
Starting at age six, he was taught by a private tutor named Marcus Antonius Gnipho.
Learned to read and write (Latin was all the rage).
Learned about Roman law and public speaking skills.  

3. The Real Gaius Julius Caesar: Family & Growing Up
Family Ties:
Caesar's father died when he was sixteen years old.
He became the head of the family and was responsible for his mother, Aurelia, and his sister, Julia.
At the age of seventeen he married Cornelia, the daughter of a powerful politician in Rome. 
Conflicts:
The current dictator of Rome, Sulla, was enemies with both Caesar's uncle, Marius, and Caesar's father-in-law Cinna.
Caesar joined the army and left Rome in order to avoid Sulla and his allies. 

4. The Real Gaius Julius Caesar: The Beginning of Power
Caesar’s Return to Rome:
After being kidnapped by pirates in 75 B.C., Caesar returned to Rome as a military hero, but also a widower as Cornelia had died while he was away. (The family enemy, Sulla, died in 78 B.C.)
He made allies with powerful men such as the general Pompey the Great and the wealthy Crassus. Caesar was an excellent speaker and the people of Rome loved him
He quickly rose up the ranks in the Roman government, first becoming aedile (think city level government: managing roads, water and grain supplies), two years later becoming tribune (the equivalent of a modern-day legislator), and three years after that becoming part of the First Triumvirate of Power.
Less than 15 years later:
At the age of 40 he was elected to consul. Think of this like a president, but there are two consuls and they only serve for one year.

5. The Real Gaius Julius Caesar: A Rise in Ranks
Caesar steadily gained more power:
At the end of his year as consul, Caesar became governor of the province of Gaul. Unfortunately, no one notified Gaul this was going to happen.
As governor was in charge of four Roman legions (unit of measurement in the army ranging from 3000 to soldiers per legion).
He was a very effective governor and general, and conquered all of Gaul.
He gained the respect and honor from his army and soon was considered alongside Pompey as the greatest general in the Roman army. 

6. The Real Gaius Julius Caesar: The Road to Triumph
A Divide in the Triumvirate:
Politics in Rome became increasingly hostile while Caesar was in Gaul.
Many of the leaders were jealous of Caesar and his following. Even Pompey became jealous and soon Caesar and Pompey became rivals.
Caesar had the support of the people and Pompey had the support of the aristocrats. 
The Conquer of Rome:
Caesar announced his intention to return to Rome and run for consul again.
The Senate labeled him a traitor for not giving up his army as they demanded, and Caesar began to march his army to Rome. 
Caesar took control of Rome in 49 BC and spent the next 18 months fighting Pompey. He finally defeated Pompey, chasing him all the way to Egypt.
When he reached Egypt, the young Pharaoh, Ptolemy VIII, had Pompey killed and presented his head to Caesar as a gift. 

7. The Real Gaius Julius Caesar: A Sudden Ending
A Triumphant Return:
In 46 BC Caesar returned to Rome as the most powerful man in the world.
The Senate made him dictator for life and he ruled like a king.
He filled the Senate with his supporters.
He built new buildings and temples in the city of Rome.
He changed the calendar to the now famous Julian calendar with 365 days and a leap year, choosing to begin the year in January as it was named for the god, Janus.
A Short-Lived Success
Some people in Rome felt that Caesar was too powerful, and worried that his rule would put an end to the Roman Republic.
A plot was devised: let’s kill Caesar! Cassius and Brutus led the revolt.
On March 15, 44 BC Caesar entered the Senate for the last time. A group of men ran up to him and began to attack him, ultimately killing Caesar. He was stabbed 23 times.