15,697
edits
Changes
→Vengeance
__NOTOC__
[[File: Ass 1.jpg|300px|thumb|left|19th -century painting of the conspirators celebrating the death of Caesar]]Julius Caesar was at the pinnacle of his power when he was killed by an organized group of Roman senators who sought to preserve the Roman Republic and end his reign. At this point in his life, Caesar had become one of the greatest best known and prominent figures of the ancient world. He was had taken control of Rome not only an extraordinary just through his military commander might, but a cunning with charisma and political leadersavvy. During his reign, Caesar greatly expanded the Roman Empire Republic, and his conquests changed the future of Europe. Caesar played a pivotal role in the collapse of But he also was quickly dissolving the Roman Republic and the emergence of creating what would become the Imperial system. Caesar upended the Roman world. However, Caesar's actions to marginalize the Republic and seize sole control of Rome angered many Romans that included including men he not only knew but considered friends. On the Ides of March, Caesar was assassinated stabbed to death by many of these menwho wanted to preserve the Roman Republic.
Why was Caesar murdered by at the hands of his fellow citizens? Caesar was murdered killed for three reasons: First, the conspirators wanted to halt the growth in his personal power. Second, they wanted tried to prevent him from becoming king and destroying the Roman Republic. Finally, some were motivated by basic of human emotions - personal vengeance. The assassination of Julius Caesar ultimately started a civil war that ended with the destruction of the Roman republic.
====BackgroundWho was Julius Caesar?====Caesar was born to a patrician Roman family who had once been very influential in the Republic. However, by the time of Caesar’s birth, their fortunes had declined , and they were no longer particularly prominent.<ref> Freeman, Philip. [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743289544/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0743289544&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=04b3744690637472a5e2eb2eb8dc57c6 Julius Caesar]. (Simon and Schuster, 2008), p. 16</ref> We know little about Caesar's childhood, but during his teenage years , Rome was unstable. Additionally, the death of his father left him somewhat unprotected.
A bloody civil war between Marius and Sulla forced Caesar to pick sides. Caesar sided with Marius, but when the war shifted in favor of Sulla, Caesar was forced to flee Rome and join the army to avoid execution. Caesar quickly rose through ranks of the army military and distinguished himself. Upon the death of Sulla, he returned to Rome and became one of the leader leaders of the popular party in Rome.
He was a charismatic leader and became one of the best-known figures on the Roman political scene. Caesar entered into an informal political arrangement with Crassus and Pompey, known as the First Triumvirate. This agreement allowed the three men to secure their political goals and become, in essence, the de-facto government of the Republic.<ref> Goldsworthy, Anthony. <i>Caesar: Life of a Colossus</i> (Yale, Yale University Press, 2006), p. 61</ref> Under this arrangement, Caesar was able to secure election as consul and to become the commander of several Roman legions. Caesar lead these legions into Gaul to pacify this region. At the time, Gaul covered most of France and Belgium. Caesar then embarked on a ten-year campaign gradually conquered this region. He then used his legions to raid the people in Germany and Britain.
After the death of Crassus, the First Triumvirate broke down. The Senate and Pompey saw an opportunity to oust Caesar from power and threatened him with criminal prosecution.<ref>Goldsworthy, p. 141</ref> In response, Caesar advanced on Rome to secure his political position and started a civil war between himself and the Roman senate. Pompey the Great defended Rome alongside the senateSenate. Caesar defeated his enemies at Pharsalus (Greece), but this did not end the war. Mark Anthony ruled in Caesar’s name in Rome and Italy. The conflict continued to rage over the Mediterranean for several years. Caesar emerged victorious and by 44 BC after his decisive victory at the Battle of Mutina. By this time Caesar was the most powerful man in Rome. He had been elected by the Senate as dictator initially for five years, but later for life. This meant that along with the army under his control, he was granted extraordinary powers. His position it seemed was beyond challenge, but this was all to change on the Ides of March 44 BCE.
[[File: Ass 2.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A bust of Brutus]]
By March 44 BCE, members of the Roman elite conspired to remove Caesar from power. The members of the conspiracy were all prominent Romans who knew Caesar.<ref>Syme, Ronald, <i>The Roman Revolution</i> (Oxford, Oxford University, 2002), p 218</ref> The sources on the assassination and the conspiracy could be best described as imperfect. None of the sources are contemporary, and they often contradict each other.
However, many of the facts of the assassination have been established with a great deal of certainty. The guiding spirit behind the conspiracy was Cassius, a leading Roman senator. The members of the plot called themselves the liberators. They sought to liberate Rome from Caesar's rule. The plot involved luring Caesar to Pompey’s theatre where gladiatorial games were to be held in his honor. Caesar was notoriously reckless when it came to his security. He refused bodyguards, and he declared that to live surrounded by guards was not a life he wanted. Caesar had only a few personal attendants who escorted him everywhere.
On the Ides of March (the 15th of March) the gladiatorial games were staged. Caesar was expected to come, and he was the guest of honor. On the day, he was late which alarmed the conspirators. The nominal leader of the conspirators, Brutus, agreed to bring Caesar to the theatre. Brutus and Caesar were well acquainted. Caesar and Brutus's mother were alleged to have been lovers. Brutus had also fought against Caesar at Pharsalus, but Caesar had pardoned him. Despite this long history, Brutus agreed to lure Caesar to the theatre to help their plan to place. Brutus ultimately convinced Caesar to attend the games.
====How did Caesar Die?====
As soon as Caesar entered the theatre, one of the conspirators approached him. The conspirator pretended to hand a petition to Caesar. At this time, not only did Caesar not have any guards, but her servants had also fallen behind him. The group had also successfully delayed Mark Anthony, one of Caesar's staunchest allies. This delay prevented Anthony from being by Caesar's side. Caesar was left alone and virtually defenseless.
One of the conspirators, possibly Casca, according to the Greek historian Plutarch seized the toga of Caesar. Caesar was surprised and shocked by his action. The group of conspirators then drew knives from their toga and proceeded to repeatedly stab Caesar. It is estimated that up to fifty men, all members of the Roman senatorial order attacked him. Not all of them were able to get near the man they hated and who they believed was a threat to Rome.
It was later revealed that Caesar had been stabbed over thirty times and that he died from blood loss. While it is somewhat disputed by historical sources, some sources claimed that Caesar's last words were ‘Et Tu Bruti’, meaning you too Brutus. Brutus's betrayal would have been especially shocking because Caesar viewed Brutus almost as a son.<ref>Plutarch, <i>Life of Julius Caesar</i>, xxv </ref> Several of the sources also state that the Caesar died at the foot of a statue of his hated rival and enemy - Pompey.
====Why was Caesar Killed by Roman Senators? ====
[[File: Ass 3.jpg|200px|thumb|left|coins celebrating Brutus and Casca, two of the leading assassins]]
Why did the conspirators want to kill Caesar? One of the most commonly cited reasons for the assassination was the fact they believed that Caesar wanted to be the king of Rome. Many ordinary Romans did not have any problem with a monarchy and Caesar was popular with this class. However, the idea of a monarch was one that was unacceptable to the Roman aristocracy. They believed monarchs were a threat to ‘liberty’ and were ultimately tyrants. They believed that if Caesar became king, they would lose their freedom to take part in public life and protect their property.<ref>.Goldworthy, p 134</ref>
For members of the Roman elite, they felt that Dignitas (personal dignity and status) was impossible without liberty. Caesar's actions made it clear to them that he wanted to retain his power permanently unlike previous dictators of Rome. Their suspicions were of Caesar's motives were compounded by the public demonstrations outside of the Senate house by Roman citizens that demanded Caesar declare himself king.<ref>Suetonius, <i>Life of Julius Caesar</i> xxxi</ref> This unnerved and persuaded many Roman nobles to join the conspiracy.
<dh-ad/>
====Who killed Caesar?====
Many of those who took part in the assassination of Caesar were formerly ardent supporters of Pompey and had fought with him at Pharsalus.<ref> Jiménez, Ramon L. <i>Caesar Against Rome: The Great Roman Civil War</i> (New York, Praeger, 2006), p. 117</ref> However, the fear of emperor was so powerful that overwhelmed than gratitude or even personal affection for Caesar. Cassius the prime mover of the conspiracy was able to present the assassination of the victor of Pharsalus as tyrannicide, the killing of a tyrant. This persuaded many including Brutus to join the plot as they saw it as their duty as Romans. However, the evidence that Caesar wanted a return to the monarchy is scanty and inconclusive. Whatever his intentions, it is clear that the conspirators believed that he was determined to rule as king.<ref> Holland, Tom, <i>Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic</i> (London, Anchor Books, 2003), p 189</ref>
====Why were Roman Senators angry with Caesar wanted to be king?====One of While the most often cited reasons for the assassination apparent pretensions of Caesar was angered many of the fact that it was widely believed that he wanted to be king. Many ordinary Romans did not have any problem with a monarchy and Caesar was popular with this class. Howeverconspirators, the idea others were angered over his apparent lack of a monarch was one that was unacceptable to respect for Roman aristocratssenators. They had been educated in Several of the Republican version of history. They were taught that monarchs conspirators were a threat linked to what they prized most of all ‘liberty’ senators, and the plotters believed that they were tyrants. This was the freedom to take part acting in public life and protect their property<ref>.Goldworthy,, p 134</ref> For members of the Roman elite, dignitas, or personal dignity and status and this was not possible without liberty. The actions of Caesar would have indicated to them that he was aspiring to be made monarch of Rome. Their suspicions that he would make himself king and end the Republic was apparently confirmed by the public demonstrations outside name of the Senate house that seemed to demand that Caesar declare himself king<ref>Suetonius, Life of Julius Caesar xxxi</ref>. This unnerved many Senators were technically the lawmakers and persuaded many Roman nobles to join the conspiracy. Many ultimate source of those who took part authority in the slaying of the dictator for life were ardent supporters of Pompey and had fought at PharsalusRepublic.<ref> Jiménez, Ramon L. Caesar Against Rome: The Great Roman Civil War (New York, Praeger, 2006)Holland, p. 117197</ref>. However, the dread of monarchy was so ingrained Caesar treated that body in the minds of the Roman elite that it was more powerful than gratitude a high-handed manner and even personal feelingsoften with contempt. Cassius the prime mover of the conspiracy was able to present the assassination of the victor of Pharsalus as tyrannicide, the killing of He did not act in a tyrant. This persuaded many including Brutus to join respectful manner towards the plot as they saw it as their duty as Romans. HoweverSenate, the evidence that Caesar actually wanted a return to monarchy is scanty and not conclusive. Whatever his intentions it is clear that the conspirators believed that he was determined to rule as king<ref> Holland, Tom, Rubicon: The Last Years this alienated many of the Roman Republic (London, Anchor Books, 2003), p 189</ref>. [[File: Ass 3them.jpg|200px|thumb|left|coins celebrating Brutus and Casca, two of the leading asssassins]]
====Additional ReadingsWere Roman Senators motivated by vengence against Casesar?====Syme, Ronald, The Roman Revolution (Oxford, Oxford University, 2002).<div class="portal" style='float:right;width:35%">
====Additional Readings====* Syme, Ronald, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0192803204/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0192803204&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=a10af7542e214cda24649ca76457ed62 The Roman Revolution]</i> (Oxford, Oxford University, 2002).* Canfora, Luciano, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00720XI0A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00720XI0A&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=5de475b6b8ead57e112dcda8479acc57 Julius Caesar: The People's Dictator]</i> (Edinburg, Edinburgh University Press, 2006).* Jiménez, Ramon L., <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0275966208/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0275966208&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=20b9b0d1ca2a488932321afa4bb22afa Caesar Against Rome: The Great Roman Civil War]</i> (New York, Praeger, 2006).* Goldsworthy, AnthonyAdrian, <i>[https://www. amazon.com/gp/product/0300126891/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0300126891&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=e3d7ca205d235ca4f80c8f42d215447a Caesar: Life of a Colossus ]</i> (YaleUniversity Press, Yale 2008)* Freeman, Philip. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743289544/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0743289544&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=04b3744690637472a5e2eb2eb8dc57c6 Julius Caesar]</i>. (Simon and Schuster, 2008)* Grant, Michael. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486822192/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0486822192&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=707967b3998ed8e0ee4b02e887ee7b50 The Twelve Caesars]</i> (New York: Penguin Books, 1979)* Osgood, Josiah. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521671779/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0521671779&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=78feb0248f30b4a6c2cfaa0048334c9f Caesar's Legacy: Civil War and the Emergence of the Roman Empire]</i> (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2006)* Holland,Tom. [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400078970/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400078970&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=a25657c34ca67cbf377bd8dfbc462c2c Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic] (London, Anchor Press, 2003)* Goodman, Rob. ''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250042623/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1250042623&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=4c9157524f8c44ff12d67a6dff4613ad Rome's Last Citizen: The Life and Legacy of Cato: Mortal Enemy of Caesar]'' (St. Martin's Griffen, 2014){{MediaWiki:AmNative}}
====References====
<references/>
[[Category:Wikis]][[Category:Roman History]][[Category: Ancient History]][[Category:Julius Caesar]]