...Dictator Julius Caesar has been quoted to have said, “I love the name of honor, more than I fear death” (“Julius Caesar Quotes”). That one quote tells a lot about Caesar’s attitude and his character. More than once, this determination to receive honor risked his life, but it also gained him many achievement that he has been remembered for for hundreds and hundreds of years. In the end, that same desire for honor cost him his life. Julius Caesar deserved the honor he received though. He was a self-made man who earned his respect and admiration by his own talents, wisdom, and strengths. (“Portrait”) William Shakespeare described him as a “General, Statesman, Dictator – the most famous Roman of them all” (“Julius Caesar”). Julius Caesar’s political statute, his military leadership, and his tragic assassination all reflected his desire to make a change in his country and his perseverance to achieve his goal. One area of Julius Caesar’s life where he persevered to make a change in Rome was his political statute. Julius Caesar was born in one hundred B.C. (“Portrait”). He was born into a patrician family (Crew). His father was a great politician and taught Julius as much as he could. Julius Caesar’s first job was a speaker in the Roman courts. He was very successful and eventually was elected to the office of praetor, or commanding officer of the army, which was the second ranked political office of his time (Crew). He was so popular among his peers that he was elected in...
Words: 1496 - Pages: 6
...Caesar’s overwhelming power in Rome was earned from his being a role model for his army through both his actions, his spartan-like lifestyle, and his treatment of both his allies and soldiers. Caesar was very generous towards the soldiers he lived alongside, making them want to follow him. Caesar used that loyalty to gain power, attracting allies. Caesar also gained allies through his political generosity, not just his power. Caesar himself realized that convincing people to follow him was a better ruling style than ruling through force. Julius Caesar was a famous politician who accomplished multiple things in his military career, including the conquest of lands. Previous to all of these actions, Caesar began his career...
Words: 2389 - Pages: 10
...“Danger knows full well / That Caesar is more dangerous than he” (2.2). Julius Caesar was arrogant, cunning, and a military mastermind. With these traits, he was definitely no ordinary man; to the Romans, he was a godlike figure that caused the senators to fear him. Caesar recognized his strengths, which earned him the title of an ambitious man. In the play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare, Caesar's ambition helped guide him become the successful ruler he strived to be, but at the same time, his blinded lust for power led him to his untimely death. Caesar had the drive to do anything he wanted and the people of Rome had a distinct image of him as a formidable leader. He desired to leave a righteous legacy and be immortalized as a man of...
Words: 721 - Pages: 3
...example of a leader who exercised the virtue of loyalty would be Julius Caesar. It is said in his legend that he wouldn’t just observe the battle that his men are fighting, but he would fight alongside them. That is an immense amount of loyalty! Another representation of great loyalty to a leader is hannibal. “From the Druentia Hannibal advanced towards the Alps mainly through open country, and reached the foothills without encountering any opposition from the local tribes.” (Livy). A truly loyal leader’s goal is the benefit of his men. He will never do put himself before his men, if so he is not a very good leader. Julius Caesar is the perfect example for this, he always tried and work to the beneficial goal of his men. Caesar especially shows this when in the “battle of the wills” with Vercingetorix. Vercingetorix came to the idea of sending the women, children, and elderly of Gaul, out of the gates of Alesia and into the Roman camp in order to starve out the Romans. He knew that Caesar would have to take them in, but he did not. He didn’t because he caught on to Vercingetorix’s plan, and was not going to starve his men for these Gaulish people. “Neither man blinked, and as a result, over the coming days, every single one of those...
Words: 1075 - Pages: 5
...Throughout history this word has become a symbol of beauty, power, and leadership. From being a woman pharaoh to helping shape the course of history, this woman has captivated the world. It is incredible to believe that she died well over two thousand years ago, yet she feels vey much alive today as she was then. However to today’s standards she wouldn’t have been the beautiful Cleopatra we all have come to know. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Or in Cleopatra’s case, beauty is relative. Cleopatra was born in 69 B.C., so we have no idea what the people of that time would have considered beautiful. Today we depict Cleopatra to be this seductive, beautiful and alluring women. But archeologists have found statues and coins with her face stamped on them that would say otherwise. The all-intriguing pharaoh was no beauty queen. She had a big hooked nose, bad teeth, and she was fat. So how could a woman of such appearance become so powerful and unforgettable that still today she mesmerizes us? Cleopatra was born to Ptolemy XII and Cleopatra V Tryphaena in a time when the dynasty was falling and when Egypt was under the protection of Rome. She succeeded to the throne when she was only seventeen years old, along with her younger brother Ptolemy XIII who was ten years old. It didn’t take long after they came into power for her brother to turn on her under his advisors. Cleopatra was forced to leave Egypt and reside in Syria. Even though Cleopatra was no longer in power, she did...
Words: 869 - Pages: 4
...Fate vs. Free Will in Julius Caesar The play Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare is a timeless piece that highlights themes of one’s integrity and destiny. Scenes three and five in the final act are very significant because they truly reveal the fate and virtue of Cassius and Brutus. Both characters committed suicide in these scenes, but the way they each did it exposed their morals. Without the use of dramatic effect, the play would not have been as effective in developing its major concepts. Julius Caesar consistently provoked the question of whether fate or free will controls our lives. Ultimately the plot determined that fate and free will do not work individually, but in conjunction. In Act 5 Scene 3 after Cassius sends Titinius off to discover whose tents have been set on fire and Pindarus to watch uphill he declares,” This day I breathed first. Time is come round, / And where I did begin, there shall I end. / My life is run his compass.” (5.3.24-26). Cassius expresses that he will die on his birthday because his life has made a complete circle. Here the reader may infer that Cassius is just listening to his inner wisdom that he will die today. However, Cassius took it upon himself to ask Pindarus to stab him with his sword after being misinformed that Titinius has been captured by their opposing force. His actions are a complete contradiction because initially Cassius believed he was going to die because of his fate, but then committed suicide...
Words: 1342 - Pages: 6
...result of this portrayal, people fail to acknowledge or aren’t even aware of how strong of a leader she actually was. Through a timeline of events, this essay will prove she was intelligent, determined, and brave and exhibited these traits throughout her life. In approximately the year 69 BC, Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, most commonly known as Cleopatra, was born. She was the second daughter of Ptolemy XII Auletes, the Pharaoh of Egypt at the time. It is unclear of who her mother was, however it was most likely Cleopatra V Tryphaena. Cleopatra was born to a family of royals, the Ptolemaic Dynasty. The Ptolemaic Dynasty was the last dynasty to rule Egypt. Prior to...
Words: 1701 - Pages: 7
...Less the Meaning Words can be cunning and deceiving when the right person is using them. William Shakespeare displays the concept of how words can be powerful weapons when manipulated by the right person in his play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar (JC) as Brutus persuades the citizens of Rome to understand the righteousness of his delusional actions in his eulogy at Caesar’s funeral. The way Brutus charismatically urges the approval of the Romans is similar to the way Hitler brainwashed the citizens in Germany to exile Jews with his hypnotic way with words. Brutus’s intelligence does not diminish in the slightest as his choice of words cause the citizens’ change of heart towards his sinful actions and intentions, proving the theme that words can be powerful weapons. Brutus is very convincing when he argues that he assassinated his friend for the good of Rome, simply because “[he loved] Rome more” (JC 3.2.20) than his best friend. Brutus participates in killing Caesar, and he stands before the citizens saying that his death is a good thing because Rome will stay a Republic and not go back to an empire. He explains that while he loves his friend, his heart was always set on what was best for Rome. Brutus cleverly questions the citizens with, “who here is so vile that will not love his country” (JC 3.2.28-9). Brutus tests the citizens’ integrity and how civilized they are with this rhetorical device. He questions whether or not they would put their country first because he wants the...
Words: 894 - 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
...In 27 B.C., Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianany historians see the beginning of the Roman Empire as the golden age of Roman literature and arts, however this period would also become known for its great extravagance and imperial notoriety. It's worth taking a look at the eras leading up to the Julio-Claudian dynasty and how each period's contributions would influence the Julio-Claudian emperors. The first era in Roman history, beginning in 753 BC and ending in 509 BC, came to be known as the Roman Kingdom. The Roman Kingdom is generally accepted as the founding of Rome itself. Little is certain about the history of the Roman Kingdom, as nearly no written records from that time have survived, and the historical records that were subsequently written are largely based on legends. It is thought to have begun with the settlements around the Palatine Hill in Central Italy. It is generally thought to have ended with the overthrow of the kings and the establishment of the Republic in approximately 509 BC. The period immediately following the Roman Kingdom came to be known as the Roman Republic, which began in 509 BC and continued through 27 BC. It was during this period that...
Words: 1456 - Pages: 6
...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
...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 of Rome. They have allowed a man to gain excessive power; therefore, they have the responsibility to stop him, and with a man of Caesar's well-known ambition, that can only mean assassination. Clearly, the most significant characteristic of Cassius is his ability to perceive the true motives of men; in other words, the ability to read or see through other people, which is called empathy. Caesar...
Words: 2021 - Pages: 9
...Pax 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...
Words: 2271 - Pages: 10
...his choice help or hinder Sedgewick? A. I believe Professor William Hundert did not do the right thing. Selecting Sedgewick Bell over Martin Blythe, not on the bases of merit, was not only unfair to Blythe but can also be perceived as favouritism. It is true that he wished to see Sedgewick Bell succeed and wished to motivate him to work harder. However, the means to that end were wrong. Motivating a person is very important. It helps increase confidence and builds up self-esteem. Professor Hundert did his very best to encourage Sedgewick to apply himself more in class and at the school. He was quite successful as well. However, just when it seemed he had finally realised his potential and was on track to make to the final of the Julius Caesar competition, it turned out that he would lose out to Martin Blythe by 1 mark. Professor Hundert thought that this would de-motivate him and further hamper his development. In order to keep him focused towards his goal, Professor Hundert decided to grade him higher than what he deserved. He thought about what would happen if he didn’t select Sedgewick Bell. He, however, did not think of the repercussions of his actions on selecting Sedgewick. The implications of his actions on Martin Blythe were not perceived by him at all. The ethical dilemmas are quite clear. Was selecting Sedgewick Bell over Martin Blythe, by changing his grade, the right thing? Did he deserve to be in the final? Selection by any other way...
Words: 1887 - Pages: 8
...Beginning with Phillip II’s campaign Greece became a very successful and large territory. Following Greece, Rome became an even larger empire created by Julius Caesar. There were various changes between Greece and Rome rule regarding governmental structure, land ruled, language used, and social structure. Although a there was much change between the empires, there were many continuities as well such as religious views, social class relations, philosophies, and social activities. One of the major changes between Greece rule and Roman rule was the territory that was controlled. The Greek Empire stretched from Macedonia to Punjab. It could have been expanded further, but Alexander the Greats troops did not wish to push farther into India after...
Words: 1086 - Pages: 5