JULIUS CAESAR Key Question: How should Caesar have been remembered by the people of Rome?
As Rome expanded, many wealthy Romans neglected their civic duty. What does this mean? These wealthy Romans only thought about gaining even more power and wealth. This increased the differences between rich and poor. As a result, the threat of uprisings grew. Reformers tried to relieve these problems. They wanted to break up the huge estates and give land to the poor. Wealthy landowners in the Senate felt threatened and had these reformers killed. What effect do you think this would have had on the Roman poor?
CIVIL WAR During the 80 s B.C., two Roman leaders, Marius and Sulla had clashed for power, causing a great deal of disorder and violence. Their clash resulted in a bloodbath as first Marius and then Sulla killed the other s supporters. Sulla eventually won. While working to restore order to Rome, he became a dictator and gave his friends in the Senate almost total control over the military and the courts. After Sulla died Roman leaders in Spain tried to make Roman leaders of foreign provinces equal in power to those of the Senate. This revolt was put down by the Roman general, Pompey. Giaus Marius was a Roman general who fought for the plebeians. Sulla was a Roman general who fought for the Patricians. All this coincided with the slave revolt led by Spartacus and his army of 70,000 slaves and peasants. Pompey, along with another Roman general, Crassus, put down the revolt. Pompey TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR NOTES: Describe the problems Rome faced during this time period. Crassus
THE RISE OF CAESAR Julius Caesar was born around the year 100 to a wealthy Roman family. Caesar was said to be a man with many talents and huge ambition for power. Growing up he knew, that in order to gain real power, he had to win it on the battlefield. Julius Caesar proved himself as one of Rome s great generals during the Roman conquest of Gaul (modern day France). The Gauls were fierce fighters, but Caesar fought a brilliant military campaign. Between a 7 year period (58-51 B.C.), Caesar was able to conquer the new lands and gain great wealth for Rome. His victories brought him fame and fortune. TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR NOTES: Describe how Caesar achieved great fame and fortune throughout Rome. http://safeshare.tv/v/zmy-bxrcrx4 The Siege of Alesia was the final major battle in Caesar s conquest of Gaul.
CAESAR S RISE TO POWER An alliance was formed between Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey with the plan to gain total control of Rome. This alliance, known as the First Triumvirate, saw the three powerful men try to restore Rome s security. Caesar was given command of Gaul. Crassus was given command of the army in the east, while Pompey s army stayed at home in Rome. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqedme1ntbg Caesar addresses the Roman Senate http://safeshare.tv/w/gpcmcpoasv Roman Civil War When Crassus was killed in battle a tremendous competition for power arose between Caesar and Pompey. Both were influential generals of powerful Roman military forces. Both had eyes on power and prestige throughout Rome. Caesar was a brilliant commander and led his soldiers to many victories. He added all the lands west of the Rhine River to the territory of Rome, including Britain. Caesar dealt with the conquered Gauls very fairly. The soldiers and the people loved him and wanted Caesar to be their leader. The Roman Senate, which had been fearful of Pompey s influence and power, began to fear Caesar s influence and power even more. Caesar had a strong loyal army behind him. Caesar sought to gain Consulship while he was still in Gaul in 48 B.C. The Senate declared Caesar a public enemy and told him to disband his army. Caesar agreed to do so if Pompey did the same. When Pompey refused, Caesar marched with his army toward Rome. Caesar marched his army across the Rubicon river toward Rome. His illegal action started another Roman Civil War. In 46 B.C., Caesar returned home where he had support of the people and his army. That same year, the Senate appointed him the sole Roman ruler. In 44 B.C., Caesar was named dictator for life as opposed to the usual six months. TO BE INCLUDED IN YOUR NOTES: Describe the series of events that led Julius Caesar to be named dictator of Rome.