Julius Caesar was a Roman general and statesman who helped transform Rome into an empire. Some of his accomplishments included being elected military tribune in 72 BC and leading the first invasion of Britain in 55 BC. As dictator, he reorganized Rome's grain distribution and founded military colonies, but his victories and honors concentrated power in himself and threatened the traditional Roman republican form of government, leading to his assassination in 44 BC by a group of senators who feared he had become too powerful.

1. Julius Caesar : The Journey of a Leader If we wind the clock back about 400 years - to the year 1600 in fact - we arrive at the time when William Shakespeare completed Julius Caesar. Can you think of any reasons why this play (and for that matter Shakespeare himself) stood the test of time so well? After all, Shakespeare is a huge commercial success all over the world, even today. Books, films, TV, stage presentations, and souvenirs generate an enormous profit.

2. Julius Caesar Born July 13, 100 B.C. Helped transform Rome into an empire Elected military tribune in 72 B.C. Elected Proconsul Responsible for first invasion of Britain in 55 B.C.

3. The GallicWars Commentarii de Bello Gallico– book Caesar wrote about the war This book represents a masterwork of political propaganda as Caesar was keenly interested in manipulating his readers in Rome.

4. The Civil War In 50 B.C., the Senate, led by Pompey, ordered Caesar to return to Rome and disband his army because his term as Proconsul finished. Moreover, the Senate forbade Caesar to stand for a second consulship in absentia . Caesar thought he would be prosecuted and politically marginalized if he entered Rome without the immunity enjoyed by a Consul or without the power of his army. Pompey accused Caesar of insubordination and treason. Crossed the Rubicon and marched on Rome Pompey led Legions of the Republic into battle Caesar Pompey No picture of Crassus The First Triumvirate

5. Battle of Pharsalus Although outnumbered by 25%, Caesar figured out Pompey’s battle plan. On August 9, 48 B.C., Caesar defeated Pompey’s army, and Pompey fled to Egypt. On Sept. 28, 48 B.C., Pompey was assassinated by ministers of Ptolemy XIII.

6. Caesar: Destiny of Rome? Reorganized distribution of grain Founded military colonies for the poor Granted citizenship to doctors & teachers Stepped up criminal penalties and laws against extortion Created 1 st news sheet Never lost a war

7. Caesar: Destroyer of the Republic? Named dictator for 10 years Given most lavish honors ever showered on a Roman Victories = national holidays Coins minted with his image Statue erected with inscription: “To the unconquerable god.”

8. Why Kill Caesar? Enemies within Caesar’s small circle of advisors actively plotted against him Fear of 1 ruler and wanted to keep old form of government

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