The Life + Times of Gaius Julius Caesar

• Who was alive during 100-44 BC?

  Gaius Julius Caesar
• Who did Gaius Julius Caesar trace his family lineage back to?

  • Venus - Divine mother to Aeneas
  • Mars - Divine father to Romulus
• How did Caesar become one of the most powerful men in Rome in the first century BC?


  He was a gifted military general and a skillful public speaker.
• Julius Caesar advanced quickly up Romes political ladder. What role was Julius Caesar elected in 63 BC?


  Pontifex Maximus
• What is a Pontifex Maximus?

  The highest ranking religious offical (cheif priest) in Rome, a position held for life.
• Eventually Julius Caesar was elected as Consul in 59 BC - what did this role entail?


  The highest elected public offical of the Roman Republic.
• Julius Caesar was overwhelmingly popular with the urban poor - mainly made up of?

  Disenfranchised farmers + Discharged veterans (ex-soldiers).
• Julius Caesar improved the living conditions of many of the urban poor through his land distribution bill. What did this give these impoverished city-dwellers?


  A chance for homes + livelihoods.
• Translate the word 'Triumvirate'.

  'Rule of 3 men'
• Julius Caesar created the First Triumvirate with two of Rome's leading men. Who were these men? How were they significant?

  • Pompey the Great (a great general).
  • Crassus (exceedingly wealthy).
• The First Triumvirate was an informal alliance which included?

  • Gaius Julius Caesar
  • Pompey the Great
  • Crassus
• The three men used their combined influences to manage Roman politics. Why did many view this as unconstitutional?


  As they were bypassing the traditional, legal route to political power. Many accused the triumvirs of treason agaisnt Rome.
• Eventually, the triumvirs turned agaisnt each other, with each man vying for sole power.
• Crassus died in 53 BC, while on a military campaign in Parthia, which left Julius Caesar + Pompey.
• Which river did Julius Caesar march his army across into the city of Rome, which led to a civil war in 49 BC?


  Rubicon
• Caesar's forces won the Battle of Pharsalus in Greece, which forced Pompey to flee to Egypt.
• How did Pompey the Great die in Egypt?


  Captured by local rulers + beheaded.
• Following his victory in the civil war, Julius Caesar was elected Dictator in 46 BC for 10 years. What is the role of a Dictator?


  A Roman political office - chosen by the Senate - in times of National emergency - as a temporary position with absolute power - which was relinquished once the emergency was over.
• In 44 BC, Julius Caesar was named 'Dictator in Perpetuity'. What did this mean?


  It meant Julius Caesar held absolute power in Rome until his death. In all but name, he was the King of Rome.
• Name the way in which Julius Caesar improved the city of Rome.

  • Several architectural projects - including a religious space called the Forum Iulium.
• How did improve conditions for soldier in the military?


  By doubling their pay.
• How did Julius Caesar show Clemency?

  • He perferred to pardon those who had fought on Pompey's side rather than to pusish them.
  • Deemed the appropriate way to handle defeated enimies.
  • Method for Julius Caesar to present himself as an upstanding Roman.
• On the Ides of March (15th March), Julius Caesar was ambushed by a gang of senators at the Theatre of Pompey.
• The gang of senators was led by 2 men —> Brustus + Cassus. The assassins stabbed the dictator, killing Julius Caesar at the scene.