Roman Civilization and the Rise and Fall of Julius Caesar

1. Roman Civilization and the Rise and Fall of Julius Caesar

2. Founding of Rome—Legend • Twins Romulus and Remus founded the city, but quarreled over what it should be called—guess who won. • Rape of the Sabines—Romans had no women, so they invited the Sabines to a feast and stole all of their unmarried women. • While legends, both stories reveal significant aspects of the “Roman” character http://www.prometheus-imports.com/rape-sabines-mb-l.jpg

3. Founding—Historical • Collection of Italian tribes: • Sabine • Latin • Etruscan • Located at a crossroad of traffic and trade—both by road and sea (located on the Tiber River) • Started as a village, but as trade increased, the size of Rome also increased http://www.evolpub.com/LCA/VTLmap.html

4. Roman Monarchy • For the first 300 (approximately) years of its existence, Rome is governed by a series of kings. • Historical accuracy of kings and their reigns is dubious • Last king: Lucius Tarquinius Superbus was dethroned around 509 BC, at which point a republic was established. • Lucius Junius Brutus has the Tarquins expelled from Rome—his descendent, Marcus Brutus, would also play an important role in Roman history http://nautarch.tamu.edu/class/489-502/Brutus.jpg

5. Roman Republic • After the expulsion of the Tarquin, the Senate voted to never again have a king • Rome ruled by Consuls: the highest government office in Rome • Consuls were elected and served for one year • Became a nominal position under the emperors and probably reached its nadir when Caligula appointed his horse to a consulship • The Republic lasted until the rise of the Caesars (even then it was maintained in appearance)

6. Rome’s Rise to Power—The Punic Wars • Wars v. Carthage • Two rising powers fought it out for control of the Mediterranean. • First Punic War (264 BC-241 BC)—naval war, Rome wins Sicily • Second Punic War (218 BC-202 BC)—Hannibal crosses the Alps, eventually Rome is victorious again, reducing Carthage to just a city • Third Punic War (149 BC-146 BC)—Siege of Carthage, the city is razed to the ground, Carthage is completely destroyed. http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/ROME/CAREMMAP.HTM

7. Other Conquests • Wars with Spain, Greece, and Macedon increased Rome’s power and influence • By the ending of the Republic, Rome controlled all of the territory around the Mediterranean Sea. • Julius Caesar’s rise is dominated by his conquest of Gaul (France, Belgium, N. Italy, Switzerland, W. Germany, Holland) and Britain. • Interactive Map (click on image) http://www.gmtgames.com/images/jccog_adc_ss.jpg

8. Julius Caesar • Born into a noble family • Ran afoul of the dictator, Sulla, but escaped proscription. • Captured by pirates, his ransom was paid. He later returned, found the pirates, and had them crucified. • Became governor of Spain, and allegedly cried at the statue of Alexander the Great http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/caesar.html

9. Caesar’s Ambition • Held massive games and festivals that made him extremely popular with the people of Rome • Became pontifex maximus—the highest religious position—in 67 BC • Elected consul in 60 BC (gave up a triumphal entrance into Rome in order to run for Consul) • Created a triumverate with Crassus and Pompey • After his consulship ended, he began his conquest of Gaul

10. Civil War • Pompey and the Senate orders Caesar to disband his army and return to Rome • In 49 BC, Caesar crosses the Rubicon with one legion, saying, “The die is cast.” • Caesar chases Pompey from Europe—Pompey is then murdered by an agent of the Egyptian king Ptolemy XIII • Caesar is appointed dictator • In revenge for Pompey’s death, Casear defeats Ptolemy and installs Cleopatra as ruler of Egypt. http://classics.furman.edu/~rprior/imgs/RCU1/1-061.htm

11. Further Conquest and Rise to Power • Conquers the Middle East, declaring “Veni, vidi, vici” • Names two heirs in his will: his nephew Octavian, and Marcus Brutus • Statues erected to Caesar, he begins to take on god-like stature—he even has his likeness imprinted on coins • In 44 BC he is named Dictator Perpetuus http://wps.ablongman.com/wps/media/objects/262/268312/art/figures/KISH_05_104.gif

12. The Death of Caesar • Nervous about Caesar’s growing popularity and power, a group of senators conspire to kill him. • On 15 March (the Ides of March) 44 BC, approximately 60 men stabbed Caesar 23 times at the base of Pompey’s statue. • There are conflicting reports as to what his last words were, but they all reflect his sorrow at seeing Brutus’s participation. http://www.kellscraft.com/romanhist10.JPG

13. Aftermath of Caesar’s Death • Civil War between the forces of Brutus and Cassius and those of Octavius and Antony • Octavius and Antony win, splitting the Roman territories between them. • Antony’s estrangement and his relationship with Cleopatra lead to a second civil war. Antony and Cleopatra are defeated at Actium (31 BC) http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/imp/marc_antony/RSC_08_%5BAntony_Octavian%5D.5.jpg

14. Empire • Octavius becomes Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. • He maintains the Senate, but he has absolute control over the government. • Julius Caesar is killed because the Senate fears his increasing power, but his death ironically leads to the reestablishment of the monarchy. http://www.apl.com/boomerangbox/d102102.htm

15. Rome’s Influence • The Roman model is the ideal of conquest for thousands of years. Napolean and Hitler both emulated the Emperors. • Much of Western Civilization, including customs, morals, and attitudes towards women, come directly from Rome • Christianity spreads through the Roman Empire • Representative democracy is probably` the most lasting contribution of Rome • Virtual Tour of Rome: • http://www.romereborn.virginia.edu/