Caesar was a popular Roman general and dictator who had defeated his rival Pompey. Some senators, led by Brutus and Cassius, grew jealous of Caesar's power and fame. On the Ides of March, these conspirators stabbed Caesar to death in the Senate, ignoring warnings of the danger. They murdered Caesar 23 times, seeking to end his rule over Rome.

1. Julius Caesar Why was Caesar murdered?

2. Who was Julius Caesar? Roman army general Had led his army to conquer the whole of Gaul Had sent an expedition over to Britain Was a popular hero with his troops and with the ordinary people of Rome

3. Caesar and Pompey One of Caesar’s biggest rivals was another general called Pompey The Senate disliked Caesar and supported Pompey – they ordered Caesar to get rid of his army Caesar ignored them and defeated Pompey in battle Caesar then took over Rome as ‘Dictator for Life’

4. Caesar’s murder – the build up A few weeks before his murder Caesar is told by a soothsayer ‘Beware the Ides of march!’ The night before his murder his wife Calpurnia has a nightmare and begs him not to go to the Senate

5. Calpurnia, Caesar’s wife, begged him not to go to the Senate. She had had a nightmare that he would be murdered.

6. A violent storm happened. This was to bring bad luck to Caesar.

7. Caesar ignored a soothsayer outside the Senate. He told him to “beware the ides of March”.

8. Inside the Senate, a group of senators stabbed him to death, one by one. Casca stabbed him first. There were 23 blows.

9. The Murder 15 th March 44BC Caesar gets ready to go to the senate More than 60 conspirators wait for Caesar in the Senate The conspirators, all senators, are led by Brutus and Cassius With daggers concealed under their togas they murder Caesar, stabbing him at least 23 times Caesar says to his friend Brutus ‘You, too, my child.’

10. Why was Caesar murdered? Turn to pages 13 – 14 of your textbook Copy the bullet points Read sources 6 – 12 and write down any other reasons

11. Year 7 Assessment Your Task – write a newspaper front page article reporting on the murder of Julius Caesar Include what happened and why it happened

12. Roman Times JULIUS CAESAR DEAD GEEZER! 16 March 44BC

13. Levels Level 3 - Beginning to give a few reasons for the murder of Caesar Level 4 - Give some reasons for the murder of Caesar Level 5 - Describe and make links between different reasons for the murder of Caesar Level 6 - Examine and explain reasons for the murder of Caesar