Julius Caesar

1. Julius Caesar World History September 25, 2013

2. Who is Julius Caesar? • Julius Caesar was born in Rome on July 13, 100 B.C.E. • His mother Aurelia and his father Julius came from a noble background • When Caesar was 10 years old, his aunt married a very wealthy noble that increased their family’s social status • His uncle started out in the army and gained notoriety and respect over time in politics • He was elected to the consul in 108 B.C.E. • Caesar learned about politics from his uncle

3. Caesar’s Rise to Power • After studying in politics under his uncle, Caesar joined the Roman military guarding Rome’s territory • He won many early battles that gave him a tough reputation • Caesar moved up on the political ladder • He took job after job within the military • He was known as a great public speaker who wasn’t afraid to voice his opinions • He was elected Consul in 59 B.C.E. with the help of his friend Pompey • In return, he promised to help give Pompey political power

4. The First Triumvirate • Triumvirate = three men • Refers to a political coalition • In Ancient Rome, the First Triumvirate was an alliance between three political powers • Julius Caesar • Marcus Licinius Crassus • Pompey • As Rome expanded, they were constantly at war • The need for a dictator grew larger • The traditional idea for a dictator vanished and many men in power became tyrannical • Sulla served as dictator, Pompey helped him stifle civil war in Rome • After Sulla’s death, Pompey needed Crassus and Caesar to make up where he lacked • The three men aligned themselves with one another • Two were enemies • Two were only united by marriage in their family

5. Caesar vs. Pompey • Caesar and Pompey, once friends, battled for power • Pompey was backed by the senate • Caesar was ordered to give up his conquest and return to Rome • Caesar refused and civil war broke out • Pompey and Caesar battled for the land and power of the Roman territory • In 48 B.C.E. Caesar and his armies brought down Pompey’s army • Pompey was forced to flee to Egypt • The Egyptians murdered Pompey and presented Caesar with his head

6. Cleopatra • Became the queen of Egypt in 51 B.C.E. at the age of 18 • Co-ruled with her father for 4 years • After his death she was forced to marry her younger brother • Her father was a friend of Rome while he was Pharaoh • Caesar had known Cleopatra when she was a young girl • When Caesar became dictator she was brought to him wrapped in a rug, and seduced him • Caesar helped her restore herself as sole ruler of Egypt • She and Caesar became lovers and had a son, Caesarion • He was Caesar’s only son • She and her son lived in a palace that Caesar built for them until his assassination • Because they were not married, Romans would not acknowledge him as Caesar’s son and heir to the throne

7. Caesar’s Accomplishments • Julius Caesar led many military conquests • He conquered Gaul • Modern day France and Belgium • He was known for saying “Veni, Vidi, Vici” • “I came, I saw, I conquered” • When he became dictator he focused on the rights of the plebeians • Gave land to the poor for farming • Use government money to pay for food for the plebeians • Gave pay to the Roman army • Perfected the Julian Calendar • Created in 45 B.C.E. • Based on astronomy

8. Assassination • As Caesar continued to gain control throughout Rome, he became a threat • The Senate was afraid he would make himself king • He was murdered by a group of 40 Roman senators called Liberators • They stabbed him to death in the Theatre of Pompey • Took place on the Ides of March (March 15) 44 B.C.E. • It is believed that his last words were… “Et tu, Brute?” • Means “You too, Brutus?” • Brutus was one of his closes friends and most trusted companions