JULIUS CAESAR

Influential Romans Challenge for leadership

• Pompey (106-48 BC):

– patrician or nobleman

–Had much of the support of the Roman Senate

Influential Romans Challenge for leadership

• Crassus:

–Also a Patrician optimate, but with less support among Senate

–Military hero

–Considered wealthiest man in Rome

Influential Romans Challenge for leadership

• Julius Caesar:

•Popular

•Came from one of the oldest families in Rome

•Opposed by the Senate and friends with Crassus

FIRST TRIUMVIRATE• Pompey and Crassus

were consuls of Rome

• Stripped much power from Senate

• They decided to make Julius Caesar a Consul without power

• Caesar did not trust Pompey or Crassus

Caesar Returns• After leaving Rome, Caesar returns to gain

total control of the government

• Pompey declares himself sole Consul and orders Caesar to disband his army and return to Rome

• Crassus dies during a military campaign in 53 BC

Caesar’s Control

• Pompey is not supported by the common people because they support Caesar

• Pompey ends up fleeing to Rome and is followed by Caesar

Caesar Becomes Dictator(49-44 BC)

• He takes total control of the government and becomes dictator for life

• Julius Caesar makes use of popular prejudices and false claims in order to gain power (a demagogue)

Caesar’s Power

• Senate fears his reforms and tries to convince the people that Caesar was trying to restore the kingship

• The Senate hates him

• Majority begins to support Caesar

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:JULIUS CAESAR

• Gained territory for Rome, sent money back to help improve and for common people

• Conqueror and politician

• Given honor of ruling as long as he lived

• Married to Calpurnia

• Had no children

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:MARCUS BRUTUS

• Married to Portia (father killed himself rather than live under Caesar’s rule)

• Descendant of Lucius Brutus

• Idealist, enjoyed reading and study

• Liked Caesar but feared ambition

• Supported Pompey, had once fought against Caesar

CHARCACTER DESCRIPTION:CAIUS CASSIUS

• Quick tempered, practical

• Brutus’s brother-in-law ( Portia’s brother)

• Supported Pompey against Caesar

• Held a grudge against Caesar

CHARACTER DESCRIPTION:MARK ANTONY

• Famous for his “wild living”

• Fought under Caesar

• Held public office

• Supported Caesar’s schemes

• Understood instability of commoners and how could sway their emotions