...Delich Italian 230 Research Paper Julius Caesar Julius Caesar; he came, he saw, and he conquered. Caesar is one of the most well-known Emperors of Rome and one of the most influential historical figures. Caesar was a politician and general of the late Roman republic, who greatly extended the Roman Empire before seizing power and making himself dictator of Rome, paving the way for the imperial system. The story of Caesar’s rise to power and fall from grace is one that has been told since the time of the Romans. His accomplishments and contributions to Roman society and the world will surely never be forgotten. Julius Caesar was a distinguished general, influential politician, and a fierce dictator. Julius Caesar was born in Rome around July 13, 100 BC. Although, he hailed from Roman aristocrats, his family was far from rich. When Caesar was 16 his father, Gaius Caesar, died. “His family was closely connected with the Marian faction in Roman politics” (Historical Figures, Julius Caesar par. 2). At around the time of his father's death, Caesar made a large effort to side with the country's nobility. “His marriage to Cornelia, the daughter of a noble, had drawn the ire of Rome's dictator, Sulla, who ordered the young Roman to divorce his wife or risk losing his property” (Caesar Julius, par 5). Caesar refused and found escape in the military, serving first in the province of Asia and then in Cilicia. Following the death of Sulla, Caesar returned to Rome to begin his career...
Words: 2118 - Pages: 9
...From the savage Neanderthal to the charismatic Julius Caesar, humans have selfishly betrayed one another since the dawn of time. Written by William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar portrays the tragedy of the Roman ruler. Deceived by his friends, Caesar is brutally murdered as the conspirators try to prevent him from ascending to the throne as the next leader of Rome. By placing their own egotistical interests and misconceptions before Rome’s, the conspirators wrongfully murdered Julius Caesar. Throughout the play, Brutus continually questions whether or not he should follow through with the plan to assassinate Caesar. He even makes the remark several times that Caesar personally did nothing to him saying, “It must be by his death; and for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him, but for the general. He would be crown'd: How that might change his nature, there's the question” (II.i.10). Brutus recognizes that other than his own fears for the future, Caesar has done nothing to deserve death. The conspirators repeatedly claim that because of Caesar’s unruly ambition, he would take the throne and expose his greedy, selfish side, although he has never shown any sign to actually having one. Convincing Brutus of this, they become obsessed with the idea that Julius Caesar would become a megalomaniac after his rise to the throne, making this the main incentive that the conspirators have against him, eventually making a rash decision to “sacrifice” him, supposedly for the good of...
Words: 1691 - Pages: 7
...This paper will explore Octavian’s rise to power in government as well as his methods for retaining control over the Roman Empire. Also, I hope to discover how Octavian’s bold actions affected the population of Roman civilization. Octavius won power over the people by fighting in many wars and gaining in rank, especially in the Battle of Actium, which with victory solidified his role as a leader. He had only to gain the affection and trust of the people, so he maintained Roman traditions and befriended the Senate. Because of this tact, Octavian gained more influence over the government and people. Octavian strongly advocated for expansionism and, with the support of the senate and his army, conquered most of the countries around the mediterranean sea. Not only was Octavian a warrior, but an excellent diplomat as well. Though, as a result of his great influence over the people, Octavian was renamed as Augustus Caesar and became the first emperor in Rome. Octavian had developed a new means of government that satisfied himself and the people of Rome, and with this new empire, Octavian paved the way for later rulers to build up the might of Rome. Early Life: Gaius Octavius, who would later be known as Caesar Augustus, came...
Words: 1415 - Pages: 6
...in Shakespeare’s play ‘Julius Caesar’ and Phyllida Lloyd’s film ‘The Iron Lady’. The personal and public displays of one’s personality can cause the audience to develop a sense of confliction. In ‘Julius Caesar’, Caesar was portrayed as a man who was loved by the populace of Rome, but the target of jealousy of the conspirators as those who achieve greatness in society become the target of those who are incapable of emulating their achievements. The masses admiration for Caesar was the result of his successes as a politician and military general. This outlook of Caesars popularity with the common people is demonstrated in the opening scene as people made ‘holiday to see Caesar and rejoice in his triumph’ after annihilating the sons of Pompey. The audience is left to question whether or not the conspirators really did have Rome’s best interests at heart. Additionally, a Shakespearian audience would’ve known the military history behind Julius Caesar and sympathised him due to the characters of the play thinking ill of him. Therefore the conspirators had to justify their actions and decision to assassinate Caesar in order for the audience to think righteously of the conspirators. So for the first act of the play, the conspirators employ the use of rhetorical devices to sway the views of others and justify the act of the assassination. ‘And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?’ uses a sense of logos and syllogism to present Cassius’ arguments as to why Caesar should be killed. Furthermore...
Words: 970 - Pages: 4
...little bit of the spotlight” (Conrad). Julius Caesar and Brutus were considered good friends. LeBron James was basically made into a superstar from the Cleveland Cavaliers. The relationship between the two groups will be explained in detail. Furthermore, their similarities and differences will be expressed using proper evidence. Also, despite Caesar and Brutus being from a complete different generation than the modern day, betrayal still has the same effect on an individual. To begin, Julius Caesar was one of the greatest leaders in Roman history who was assassinated by a group of conspirators because they were afraid he would become a tyrant. Marullus, who does not...
Words: 2312 - Pages: 10
...“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. This particular quote deals with the need for a leader to care about the larger view of life instead of their individual wants or needs. Certainly, if a person wanted to rise to power, they would need to first off think about the one’s they are governing and how they could use their powers for the general good of the city and the people. This is particularly relevant to the character of Brutus during the play. During the scenes of William Shakespeare’s play, The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, characters are able to rise to power through their particular strengths. These characters, Cassius, Brutus, and Antony all have different characteristics that helped them gain power within the city of Rome. However, these people also showed that they were human by having weaknesses that led to their down fall. Within a leader, it is important to look at their trustworthiness, honorability, reputation, and their use of empathy. These three characters all displayed differences within these traits which made them unique in their own ways. Within the scenes of Julius Caesar, Cassius, the leader of the conspiracy against Caesar, displays many strengths that guide him to the rise to power, and weaknesses which direct him to his eventual fall. Cassius believes that the people of Rome are responsible for the government...
Words: 2021 - Pages: 9
...much pain to three at once” (34. 55-57). Brutus, Judas and Cassius, these three men are considered to be the worst sinners of all according to Dante Alighieri. Brutus and Cassius were stuffed feet first in the mouth of the devil, or otherwise referred to as “Lucifer”. They were punished for their sins in the lowest region of the nine circles of Hell, for their assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C.E. Brutus and Cassius worked against God and betrayed Caesar who was attempting to build the Roman Empire to be the Pathway to God that was chosen for Rome itself. Brutus and Cassius were on the losing side of a war against Caesar but rather than killing...
Words: 994 - Pages: 4
...Caesar Summary Option K Rome: Julius Caesar Principal Focus: Students gain an understanding of Julius Caesar in the context of his time. Students learn about: 1 Historical context – geography, topography and resources of Rome and provinces – overview of Roman political and social structures – overview of significant political and military developments 2 Background and rise to prominence – his family background and position – his education, early life and ambitions – paths to power: priesthoods; Marian connections; political alliances and marriages – early political career to 60 BC 3 Career – role in First Triumvirate – Gallic Wars: campaigns and tactics, siege of Alesia – relationship with his army – relationship with the Senate – role in the Civil War – political supporters and enemies – personal relationships: Julia, Cleopatra VII, Brutus, Mark Antony, Cicero – impact of personality on career; significance of his writings – dictatorship: policies and reforms – assassination: motives, manner and impact of his death 4 Evaluation – impact and influence on his time – assessment of his life and career – legacy – ancient and modern images and interpretations of Julius Caesar. 1. Historical Context Geography, topography and resources of Rome and provinces Geography and topography • Most of Italy is...
Words: 7804 - Pages: 32
...Julius Caesar full title · The Tragedy of Julius Caesar author · William Shakespeare type of work · Play genre · Tragic drama, historical drama language · English time and place written · 1599, in London date of first publication · Published in the First Folio of 1623, probably from the theater company’s official promptbook rather than from Shakespeare’s manuscript publisher · Edward Blount and William Jaggard headed the group of five men who undertook the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio narrator · None climax · Cassius’s death (V.iii), upon ordering his servant, Pindarus, to stab him, marks the point at which it becomes clear that the murdered Caesar has been avenged, and that Cassius, Brutus, and the other conspirators have lost in their attempt to keep Rome a republic rather than an empire. Ironically, the conspirators’ defeat is not yet as certain as Cassius believes, but his death helps bring about defeat for his side. protagonists · Brutus and Cassius antagonists · Antony and Octavius setting (time) · 44 b.c. setting (place) · Ancient Rome, toward the end of the Roman republic point of view · The play sustains no single point of view; however, the audience acquires the most insight into Brutus’s mind over the course of the action falling action · Titinius’ realization that Cassius has died wrongly assuming defeat; Titinius’ suicide; Brutus’s discovery of the two corpses; the final struggle between Brutus’s men and the troops...
Words: 22331 - Pages: 90
...Romania: Age of Augustan Today, we have many resources of arts and buildings left over by Roman people. Most significantly, these resources handed over by Roman period was distinctively survived really long time, and people still think they have outstanding values for today’s studies. It brings me an attention to write this paper on the great Augustan period when it is better known for the Golden ages of Roman era. First empire begins with many civil wars within the empire by people of republicans and the great leaders like Julius Caesar. At the Caesarian time, people were greatly pleasured with wealth and strength of nation. However, when the many of nation’s senates set up an assassination of Caesar, and bring the nation back to republican nation, the nation, again, shakes in civil wars and fights amongst themselves. Therefore, heroic character rises into this chaotic time of Rome, C. Octavius. He is stepson of Caesar who was inherited in power by Caesar. By it means, people had much interest in him, and he was served in people’s favor. One fact that he is well known for many of his work in the beginning of Roman empire, I was driven to his life and accomplishments. “At a time when the whole world is still facing after-war prob-lems of rehabilitation, material and spiritual, and in the bewilder-ment of chaos needs light from every source, it occurred to me that it would be of value to review the great period of Roman reconstruction, the Augustan age, to see if from the problems...
Words: 2271 - Pages: 10
...Most of us have heard the saying, “When in Rome do as the Romans do”. Why did the person who came up with that saying chose Rome, why not Germany, France, Italy, China, or Switzerland for that matter. Each of those countries has made a mark on history in one-way or another so what makes Rome so special to get such a saying. However, I believe it is because history has shown us the greatness of Roman and how they conquered country after country. Even though that saying is referring for people to adapt their behavior to the country they are visiting. Yet history has shown us the countries the Romans conquered they adapted to the Roman’s ways versus the Romans adapting to their ways. So what makes Roman such a great country that they could conquer so many countries and have people desiring to be a Roman citizen and adapt their cultural way of living. I believe we can find the answer in looking at the way they set up their government. Rome really was not built in one day but it took hundreds of years for Rome to rise to the pentacle height of greatness. Rome actually began as a city-state around 8th century BC in Italy (Regent University, 2013). During this early part of their history called, the Kingdom of Rome, they were actually ruled by a kings and the senate and enjoyed living in a higher standards according to the finds of archeologist. Around 509 BC the Senators decided to do away with the kings and rule their city-state themselves (Regent University, 2013). Legend...
Words: 1137 - Pages: 5
...brothers, Romulus and Remus (Coffin 169). These two brothers had no idea of how this land they founded would grow to be the grand empire it would eventually become. Throughout the course of centuries, Rome would go through many trials and tribulations that would eventually lead it to greatness. However, as all good things, this too came to an end. Rome’s empire did not start out as this large domain of land. They went through a series of changes and wars to expand their borders. They started off with the Etruscan kings ruling the land. However, the rape of Lucretia, a Roman woman by a son of the Etruscan dynasty, turned the Romans against this dynasty and changed the form of government going forward (Coffin 171). They now focused their government in an aristocratic way. This divided the people into two classes, the plebeians and the patricians. After fighting for rights, the plebeians began to gain some recognition as being equal. With this aspect of Roman life settling down, they were able to continue their expansion. They thrived on the strength of the military. There were many wars including the Punic Wars and the Macedonian and Syrian Wars that were victorious for the Romans and assisted in their continued expansion (Linderski 3). Because of the success of the wars, Rome encountered wealth which would change the political and economical standing of the republic. However, this wealth did not benefit the poor class. Instead, high taxes were imposed and many people...
Words: 1519 - Pages: 7
...The senate of Rome declared Julius Caesar dictator for life in February of 44 B.C (Mellor). Julius was a particular leader, with the power of the army to support him, still, he knew how much the Romans hated monarchy (James). The plebeians adored him (James). When Julius died in battle, his nephew, Octavian, honored his great-uncle by giving money to the citizens of Rome. Octavian was the first person to serve as a Roman general and member of the Roman Senate as a teenager (Mellor). Rome, being Rome, had many enemies, as well as allies. Dacians were enemies of Rome. But Trajan had victory over them in A.D 114 (Sauvian). Hannibal was the worst threat to Rome. Trebia , Trasimene, and Cannae were defeated by by Hannibal (Mellor). It took the Romans seventeen years to defeat the Carthaginian general, Hannibal. Even though Hannibal lost 14 thousand men and 25 elephants on his trip over the Alps...
Words: 1094 - Pages: 5
...Chapter II: literature of the renaissance (End of the 15th - beginning of the 17th century) In the 15th - 16th centuries capitalist relation began to develop in Europe. The former townspeople became the bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie fought against feudalism because it held back the development of capitalism. The decay of feudalism and the development of capitalist relation were followed by a great rise in the cultural life of Europe. There was an attempt at creating a new culture which would be free from the limitation of the feudal ideology of the Middle Ages. The epoch was characterized by a thirst for knowledge and discoveries, by a powerful development of individuality. It was then that great geographical discoveries of Columbus, Magellan and other travelers as well as astronomical discoveries of Copernicus, Bruno, Galilei were made. The invention of the printing press (Fyodorov in Russia, Guttenberg in Germany, Caxton in England) contributed to the development of culture in all European countries. Universities stopped being citadels of religious learning and turned into centers of humanist study. There was a revival of interest in the ancient culture of Greece and Rome ("Renaissance" is French for "rebirth"). The study of the works of ancient philosophers, writers, and artists helped the people to widen their outlook, to know the world and man's nature. On the basis of both the ancient culture and the most progressive elements of the culture of the...
Words: 8940 - Pages: 36
...The Rise and Fall of Rome The Economics Behind an Empire 4/18/2013 ECO 120 Seb Jaramillo The Rise and Fall of Rome To many people, the ancient world has always been a topic of great interest and study. The ancient world is essentially the explanation for how the world ended up where it is today. Our ancestors laid down the foundation that would help form and mold today’s civilization and the way people live out their lives in modern times. Perhaps no civilization of the past did more for the future than the efforts and contributions of the Roman Empire. For almost a millennia, the Romans controlled the vast majority of the world. Their Empire made it possible to spread wealth and knowledge to the far corners of the world and lay down a base common knowledge that helped pave the path for people to follow. This paper shall look into the background of Rome and see what economic forces helped lead to the formation of such a formidable empire. What allowed these people to become so wealthy and construct a vast territory? Why was it easy for the Romans to do so much while many other nations are still set back in our day and age? The paper shall also look at the forces at work near the end of the Western Empire that brought an end to the glory and majesty of Rome and how this knowledge can perhaps produce a means of prevention of the same fate for the United States. The city of Rome became a Republic around the year 509 BC. By the end of the first century BC Rome controlled...
Words: 3070 - Pages: 13