JULIUS CAESAR
Key Question:
How should Caesar have been remembered by the people of Rome?
As Rome expanded, many wealthy
Romans neglected their civic duty.
What does this mean?
These wealthy Romans only thought
about gaining even more power and
wealth. This increased the
differences between rich and poor.
As a result, the threat of uprisings
grew.
Reformers tried to relieve these
problems. They wanted to break up
the huge estates and give land to
the poor. Wealthy landowners in
the Senate felt threatened and had
these reformers killed.
What effect do you think this would have had on the
Roman poor?
CIVIL WAR
During the 80’s B.C., two Roman leaders, Marius and Sulla
had clashed for power, causing a great deal of disorder and
violence.
Their clash resulted in a bloodbath as first Marius and then
Sulla killed the other’s supporters. Sulla eventually won.
While working to restore order to Rome, he became a
dictator and gave his friends in the Senate almost total
control over the military and the courts.
Giaus Marius was a Roman
general who fought for the
plebeians.
Sulla was a Roman general
who fought for the
Patricians.
After Sulla died Roman leaders in Spain tried to make
Roman leaders of foreign provinces equal in power to those
of the Senate. This revolt was put down by the Roman
general, Pompey.
All this coincided with the slave revolt led by Spartacus and
his army of 70,000 slaves and peasants. Pompey, along with
another Roman general, Crassus, put down the revolt.
Pompey
TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR NOTES: Describe the problems Rome faced during this time period.
Crassus
THE RISE OF CAESAR
Julius Caesar was born around the year 100 to a
wealthy Roman family. Caesar was said to be a
man with many talents and huge ambition for
power. Growing up he knew, that in order to gain
real power, he had to win it on the battlefield.
Julius Caesar proved himself as one of Rome’s great
generals during the Roman conquest of Gaul
(modern day France).
The Gauls were fierce fighters, but Caesar fought a
brilliant military campaign. Between a 7 year
period (58-51 B.C.), Caesar was able to conquer the
new lands and gain great wealth for Rome. His
victories brought him fame and fortune.
http://safeshare.tv/v/zMY-BxrCRX4
TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR NOTES: Describe how Caesar achieved
great fame and fortune throughout Rome.
The Siege of Alesia was the final major battle in Caesar’s
conquest of Gaul.
CAESAR’S RISE TO POWER
An alliance was formed between Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey with the plan to gain total control of
Rome. This alliance, known as the First Triumvirate, saw the three powerful men try to restore Rome’s
security. Caesar was given command of Gaul. Crassus was given command of the army in the east,
while Pompey’s army stayed at home in Rome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQEdME1NtBg
Caesar addresses the Roman Senate
http://safeshare.tv/w/gpCmcpoAsv
Roman Civil War
When Crassus was killed in battle a tremendous competition for power arose between Caesar and
Pompey. Both were influential generals of powerful Roman military forces. Both had eyes on power
and prestige throughout Rome.
Caesar was a brilliant commander and led his soldiers to many victories. He added all the lands west
of the Rhine River to the territory of Rome, including Britain. Caesar dealt with the conquered Gauls
very fairly. The soldiers and the people loved him and wanted Caesar to be their leader.
The Roman Senate, which had been fearful of Pompey’s influence and power, began to fear Caesar’s
influence and power even more.
Caesar had a strong loyal army behind him. Caesar sought to gain Consulship while he was still in Gaul
in 48 B.C. The Senate declared Caesar a public enemy and told him to disband his army. Caesar agreed
to do so if Pompey did the same. When Pompey refused, Caesar marched with his army toward Rome.
Caesar marched his army across the Rubicon river toward Rome. His illegal action started another
Roman Civil War.
In 46 B.C., Caesar returned home where he had support of the people and his army. That same year, the Senate
appointed him the sole Roman ruler. In 44 B.C., Caesar was named dictator for life as opposed to the usual six
months.
TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR NOTES: Describe
the series of events that led Julius Caesar to
be named dictator of Rome.