Transcript The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar Background
Information
The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

Most scholars agree that Shakespeare
wrote The Tragedy of Julius Caesar in
1599.

This play is based upon the
assassination of Julius Caesar by his
close friends and confidants.
Background Information

The Romans were
superstitious.

They believed that future events
could be seen in dreams, the
stars, and unnatural
occurrences.

Many Romans believed that
fate controlled one’s life.
Background Information


In 503 BC, Rome
ended the rule of the
Tarquins, a series of
harsh, cruel rulers.
Rome decided to
never again be under
the rule of such an
oppressive
government.
They refused ALL forms of
government that consisted of
kings or emperors, basically
any ruler who achieves
power based on inheritance
instead of an election.
Rome’s Government:
After the Tarquins

Rome set up a republic:


A government in which officials are elected.
The new government is made up of two
parts:
Two consuls (leaders) and a senate.
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
The Consuls were elected officials.

They appointed the Senate members
who could be from any walk of life—noble
or common.
Julius Caesar’s
Rise to Power

Julius Caesar got into politics during a time in
which the Consuls and the Senate were having
problems.

In this time of instability and arguing, he became
an outspoken leader.
Consuls
Senate

In 60 BC the first triumvirate (3person governing body) was formed.

It consisted of Caesar, a famous
general named Pompey, and a
wealthy man named Crassus.
Julius Caesar
Crassus
Pompey
After Crassus died, Pompey began to
fear that Caesar was growing too
powerful and popular.
Crassus
Caesar
At this time, Caesar and his army were
far away from Rome, conquering many
lands for the Roman Empire.
Pompey ordered Caesar back so that he
would not have to fear Caesar and his
powerful army.
Instead, Caesar attacked Pompey,
defeating his forces and killing him in
the midst.
Pompey
Caesar returned to
Rome and was
accepted by the
people for his
military abilities.
He was loved for all of
the goods he brought
back from his
conquests, and he
was elected Dictator
for Life.
This meant that he
would rule Rome until
his death, and the
next leader would
have to be elected.
We Love Ceasar!!!
Caesar = Dictator for Life
Many believed that Caesar wanted to be
emperor instead of just Dictator for
Life. If he was Emperor, Julius
Caesar’s son would inherit the throne
after his death.
Many feared that Caesar would bring
back a style of governing similar to
Tarquin’s. To prevent this, some
members of the senate carried out a
deceitful
plan . . .