1. Julius Caesar

2. Trouble in the Republic
In the 100’s B.C. farmers were sinking into poverty and debt, because many of them had been unable to farm. This was due to Rome’s wars. Others suffered damage due to Hannibal’s invasion of Italy.
Faced with debts they could not pay off many famers sold their land and headed to the city for work, which was hard to find. 

3. The Army enters Politics
Military leader Marius became a consul in 107 B.C. , he began to recruit soldiers from the poor—in return for their service he paid them wages and promised them land
Felt loyal to general not Roman Republic since they are now paid professional soldiers
In 82 B.C a general Sulla went against Marius by driving his enemies out and making himself a dictator

4. Sulla’s Government Change
Weakens Council of Plebeians and strengthened Senate
Sulla steps down from office –hoping the Roman Republic come heal itself
After he retires, Rome is plunged into an era of civil wars that last for the 50 years

5. Julius Caesar
In 60 B.C. Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus formed the First Triumvirate to rule Rome (a political alliance of 3 people)

6. What would you do? Caesar’s Big Decision Crassus Caesar Pompey Spain
Syria
Was killed in battle in 53 B.C.
Caesar
Gaul (modern France)
Hero to Rome’s lower classes
Senate ordered to give up army and come home
Pompey
Spain
53 B.C. Senate decides he should return to Italy and rule alone
What would you do?

7. Crossing the Rubicon
Caesar decides to hold onto 5,000 loyal soldiers, & march to Italy crossing Rubicon (river at a command center). He knew there would be no return. He was starting a civil war.
Pompey tried to stop Caesar.
Caesar drove Pompey’s forces
from Italy then destroyed his
army in Greece in 48 B.C.

8. Caesar’s Rise to Power 44 B.C he was declared the dictator of Rome
He filled the Senate with new members who were loyal to him
He started new colonies to provide land for Rome’s jobless people
Created a new calendar 12 months, 365 days, and a leap year (Julian calendar)
His Supporters believed he was strong leader who brought peace and order to Rome
His Enemies feared that Caesar wanted to be King
Led by Caesar’s friends, Brutus and Cassius, his opponents plot to kill him
Caesar ignored famous warning “beware the Ides of March”
(March 15)
March 15th, 44 B.C Caesar was stabbed to death by Brutus and 59 other senators