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Julius Caesar. Man behind the Monarchy and The Rise of an Empire. Who was Julius Caesar?. Climbed his way up the Roman political ladder, holding the following positions (don’t be scared by the words): Worked for the Praetor (Commander of Army)
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Julius Caesar Man behind the Monarchy and The Rise of an Empire
Who was Julius Caesar? • Climbed his way up the Roman political ladder, holding the following positions (don’t be scared by the words): • Worked for the Praetor (Commander of Army) • Quaestor: Magistrate (like a judge) with financial duties • Aedile: in charge of buildings and festivals • PontifexMaximus: high priest • Served as Praetor
What kind of a politician was he? • Caesar was known for his Populism tactics (he supported the commoners as opposed to elite society) • His popularity earned him political alliances • The “Unofficial” First Triumvirate: three leaders governing jointly • Marcus Crassus • GnaeusPompeius Magnus (aka Pompey the Great) • Julius Caesar himself • The Triumvirate formed as a conspiracy against the current government… • Ergo, other political leaders feared or hated Caesar
He sounds awesome!!! Why would people want him dead? • Well, some thought he was a little too ambitious • Others knew of his illegal acts to achieve political power • Many believed he held office only to keep his diplomatic immunity (he can’t get in trouble if he’s in politics) • He also stole government money to redistribute land as he wished
What did Caesar do to help Rome? • Conquered Gaul • Why? He wanted to rule over more people. • Where? Modern-day France and Belgium • Conquered Britannia and Germania • Why? … His response would be, Why not? More land! • Where? Modern-day Britain and Germany
So why wouldn’t the people “looooove” Caesar? • Caesar started to get power hungry • He didn’t want to rule with anyone else anymore • Crassus from the Triumvirate died of illness • Caesar realized only one person stood in his way to controlling Rome alone • Pompey was already a little distrusting of Caesar, and Caesar was catching on • Caesar told Pompey to watch out • Pompey initially fled to Alexandria (Egypt) • Caesar killed him there • (Fun fact!!!) Meanwhile, Caesar met Cleopatra • They had an affair while Caesar was married to his wife, Calpurnia
Want to know fun facts about Caesar’s home life? • Pompey’s first two wives died • So Caesar offered his daughter as a replacement wife • This is one reason Caesar was allowed to join the Triumvirate • So, when Caesar killed Pompey, he killed his daughter’s husband • Caesar’s wife, Calpurnia, was the daughter of a consul member, but the consul didn’t like Caesar (similar to Flavius and Marullus)
How does all of this lead up to Act I, Scene 1? • In 1.1, Caesar is returning from killing Pompey • In 1.2, Caesar is named “Dictator Perpetuo” • the main ruler in Rome • People cheered, but should he be celebrated? (What do you think?) • The senators are mad • Why was Caesar chosen? • Why not Bibulus? (A rival for Triumvirate) • Why not Brutus? (Caesar’s best friend who is very well-liked)
What is this Feast of Lupercal that Marullus mentions? • In Act 1.1, Marullus mentions the holiday • It’s a national holiday in Rome • Celebrating the founding of Rome • Before founding Rome, Romulus and Remus restored their health in a cave, Lupercal, where a wolf fed them • On the holiday, festivals are held to avert evil spirits, purify city releasing health and fertility • In 1.2, Caesar knows he needs an heir very soon • So he asks Antony to touch Calpurnia’s stomach to bless her womb, since he is leads the parade