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ANCIENT ROME. Foundation of Rome. Legend: Founded in 753 BC Twins: Romulous and Remus Monarchy for first several hundred years. Roman Republic. 509 BC monarchy is overthrown and Republic is established
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Foundation of Rome • Legend: Founded in 753 BC • Twins: Romulous and Remus • Monarchy for first several hundred years
Roman Republic • 509 BC monarchy is overthrown and Republic is established • Republic: A state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them • Much like our Democracy: People voted for their leaders and representation… • BUT, in Ancient only members of powerful, elite families could run for office
JULIUS CAESAR • Ambitious young man from a very elite family • His family had not been successful politically in many centuries • In his early twenties, he is awarded “medal of honor” equivalent for fighting as an army officer • Elected to senate
JULIUS CAESAR • Quickly rose through the political ranks • Formed the First Triumvirate (an alliance of political leaders) • Elected consul (president) and became general in Gaul (France) • Friends betray him while away in Gaul: Start of Civil War • Caesar wins and is elected dictator (leader)
Julius Caesar • Creates many public works (baths, roads, food shipments, games and festivals, etc.) • Elected dictator for life
Marcus Brutus • Born to a noble family • His ancestor expelled the last King of Rome and established the Republic • Father dies when he is young • Like a son to Caesar • Becomes a senator
Roman Political Factions populares Optimates Brutus Rich, elite families Traditional Limit citizenship Aristocracy “The Best Men” • Caesar • Rich, elite families • Liberal (change) • Expand citizenship • The People • “New Men”
Act One: Characters Decius: Member of the conspiracy to kill Caesar Cicero: Roman citizen who is a talented public speaker Brutus: Believes in government by senators, is being convinced to kill Caesar Cassius: Roman general, wants to kill down Caesar Casca: Elite citizen who is also opposed to Caesar’s power • Flavius: An elected official who condemns the people’s love for Caesar • Murellus:An elected official who condemns the people’s love for Caesar • Caesar: Roman general and senator • Antony: Friend of Caesar • Calpurnia: Caesar’s wife • Soothsayer: Fortune teller • Portia: Brutus’ wife