1. Events leading up to 44 BC (time of Julius Caesar)

2. Monarchy— Until 509 BC Republic— The Brutus family removed the king in 509 BC In reality, a group of patricians were ruling Rome

3. Moderate Democracy 100 BC Actually ruled by Senate Julius Caesar is a patrician, but gains support of the people by spending money for public entertainment and establishing laws freeing farmers and tradesmen from heavy taxes

4. Triumvirate In 60 BC a 3-man rule was established Caesar, Crassus, Pompey In 58 BC Caesar became governor of a part of Gaul At age 44 he began his military career Over the next 10 years he conquered all of Gaul Crassus was killed during a military campaign in Parthia

5. Pompey and Caesar were at odds after Crassus’ death Pompey persuaded the Senate to order Caesar to disband his army and return to Rome Caesar invaded Rome and made himself absolute ruler Pompey fled to Greece Caesar defeated Pompey’s army at Pharsalia in 48 BC Pompey fled to Egypt where he was later murdered

6. Three years later Caesar defeated Pompey’s two sons at Munda, Spain Caesar is now dictator The play opens with Caesar returning from the victory in Spain—44 BC