Ancient Rome & Caesar

An Introduction to Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar, The Man

Born July 13, 100 B.C.Died March 15, 44 B.C.Assumed various political and military

roles before becoming a dictator“Cowards die many times before their

deaths; the valiant never taste death but once.” (Caesar, II.ii)

Rise of Caesar

As a Roman general, Caesar brought his army back to Rome to engage incivil war against the senate in 49 B.C. (war lasted 3 yrs)

Caesar defeated Pompey (general of the senators) and declared himself dictator (ended the republican system)

Facts About the Play

Setting: 44 B.C., Ancient Rome toward the end of the Roman Republic

Probable year of writing the play = 1599Total number of Acts in the play = 5Total number of Scenes in the play = 18Total number of Lines in the play = 1450Longest Act in the play = Act III (603 lines)Shortest Act in the play = Act V (354 lines)Longest scene in the play = Act II Sc. i (336 lines)Shortest scene in the play = Act V Sc. ii (6 lines)

1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 -

7 - 8 - 9

Basilica Julia

Roman Forum

Carcer

Forum of Julius Caesar

Basilica Aemilia

Sacred Way

House of Vestals

Palace of Caligula

Palace of Tiberius