A biography

1
The REAL Julius Caesar

• A biography

2
Dates

• Born July 12/13, 100 BC
• Died March 15, 44 BC at age 55
• Conquered Gaul from 58-50 BC
• Victor in the Roman Civil War 49-45 BC
• Dictator 46-44 BC

3
Modern facts

• The name Caesar has come to mean a ruler who is
  uniquely supreme or almost godlike.
• (The same as Kaiser in German, tsar in Slavic
  languages and qayar in languages in the Islamic
  worldyou will notice they all have the same
  root)
• The month of July (formerly known in Caesars
  time as Quintilis) was renamed to honor Caesar.

4
Political Career

• Rose to power by calling for reform of the Roman
  government.
• Tried to oust aristocrats to strengthen the
  Senate
• Formed the First Triumvirate in 60 BC as a three
  man government.

5
First Triumvirate

• Caesar, Crassus (millionaire) and Pompey (strong
  general)
• Was able to make two opposing factions friendly
• Alliance started to fall apart when selfish
  desires got in the way among all three men.
• Caesar and Pompey became mortal enemies after
  Pompeys wife (Caesars daughter) died and Caesar
  kept trying for more and more power.
• Caesar left to fight in the Gallic Wars

6
Gallic Wars

• Caesar used the soldiers under his command as his
  own private army.
• Roamed Europe for eight years gaining control of
  France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and
  Switzerland.
• Caesar earned huge amounts of money from these
  conquests, which he sent back to Rome to try and
  gain the peoples favor.
• He took over more land (part of the Roman Empire)
  and said his famous words, Veni, vidi, vici.
  (I came, I saw, I conquered).

7
Civil War

• In 49 BC, Pompey, who was jealous of Caesars
  growing power and favor gave support to the
  Senate.
• Caesar thought he was a defender of the people,
  but his critics accused him of bribery and
  handouts. His enemies said he stole the Romans
  liberties.
• Caesar had the option of putting himself at
  enemies mercy or seizing complete control of
  power. He chose to seize power. In 48 BC he
  marched into Rome, took control, and had himself
  declared sole dictator of Rome.

8
Dictator

• Caesar tried to crush Pompeys power by following
  him to Greece, then to Egypt.
• In Egypt Pompey was killed before Caesar could
  capture him.
• Caesar stayed in Egypt to be with Cleopatra and
  seized the throne of Egypt for her.
• From Egypt Caesar went to Spain to defeat
  Pompeys sons and gain control there.

9
The Unconquerable God

• Caesar returned to Rome from his conquering was
  declared dictator for ten years.
• Saw that his supporters (including Brutus) became
  Senators.
• Caesar started to make some of the governmental
  reforms that he had promised and gained more
  power from the people.
• Became so power hungry he erected a statue of
  himself that said To the Unconquerable God, in
  the temple of Quirinus. Talk about a super ego!
• Common people still loved Caesar, declared him
  dictator for life. (He gave them handouts
  bribes).

10
Growing Opposition

• Many people thought that Caesars ambition had to
  stop.
• The last Roman king/dictator had been overthrown
  450 years before and the Romans set up a
  Republican government.
• The free Romans didnt want another king.
• Caesars arrogance and love of power became so
  hated by the Senators that they plotted to
  assassinate him.

11
Assassination (what went wrong)

• Was impatient actually somewhat forgiving.
  Consequently, he used many of his former enemies
  as part of his government policy. (Keep your
  friends close your enemies closer).
• Growing ego got in the way of the good of Rome.
• Two who planned the plot were former enemies whom
  Caesar forgave, pardoned, trusted and loved.
  These two men were Gaius Cassius Longinus and
  Marcus Junius Brutus. Thats why he uttered, Et
  tu, Brute (You too, Brutus?)
• Others of the 60 co-conspirators were former
  friends of Caesar.

12
Assassination, cont.

• Was assassinated on March 15, 44 BC (Ides of
  March).
• Main conspirators fled Rome
• Three of Caesars closest followers formed the
  Second Triumvirate (Antonius, Lepidus and
  Octavius)
• They pursued defeated the assassins
• Second Triumvirate turned on each other and
  fought a second civil war.
• Octavius (Caesars great-nephew and heir) won.
  He became Augustus Caesar, first of the Roman
  emperors.

13
Personality and Reputation

• Caesar wasnt and isnt lovable
• Generosity to defeated opponents never helped
  them to love or appreciate them, and in effect
  led to his assassination.
• Won his soldiers affection by winning battles
  that his intellect instrumented.
• He was smart in many areas administration,
  government, military, manipulation, political
  ambition, public speaking, writing and
  propaganda.
• He was intellectually and physically energetic
• Very strong swimmer

14
Roman Government

• Consul two elected every year by the Assembly
  to serve one year. It was the Consuls job to
  govern Rome. They presided over the Senate and
  assemblies, administered legislation, were
  generals in the military, and represented Rome in
  foreign affairs.
• Dictator A Roman magistrate with absolute
  authority. There was only ever one at a time
  because of the power to put other magistrates to
  death.
• Forum the religious, political and economic
  town square and center of all Rome.

15
Roman Government, cont.

• Governor leader of a specific province, could
  rule the military and print money in that area
  and was the chief judge. He is also known as a
  propraetor.
• Assembly gathering of patricians and plebeians
  to vote for consuls, tribunes and magistrates.
  You had to be present to vote.
• Patrician wealthy citizens of Rome. They lived
  in grand houses, had slaves, and as citizens were
  able to vote at Assembly.
• Plebian not wealthy, but were citizens. They
  were usually craftsmen tradesmen. They worked
  for a living. They were allowed to vote at
  Assembly.

16
Roman Government, Cont.

• Province a basic unit of territory throughout
  the Roman reach.
• Senate This was composed of 600 magistrates
  and ex-magistrates who served for life unless
  kicked out by censors. They tried to enact rules
  and laws.
• Tribune a title shared by elected officials.
  There were usually about 10 of them. They could
  veto any act and stop any official
  administration. If they were ever attacked, the
  attacker was killed.
• Slaves no rights, no freedom, no citizens, no
  voting.

17
Roman Politics