Tutorial: Julius Caesar, why did he have to Die?

Attendance Procedure

  • A piece of paper is circulating for students to write their names for attendance.

  • Importance of signing the attendance sheet is emphasized before leaving the tutorial session.

Purpose of Tutorial

  • Discussion topic: Julius Caesar and his assassination.

  • Readings have been circulated, and students are expected to have reviewed them in preparation for the tutorial.

  • Connection to upcoming assessment; the tutorial serves to enhance understanding and development of assignments.

Context of Caesar's Life before Assassination

First Triumvirate

  • Informal alliance among three prominent figures: Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.

  • Their alliance was not legally structured but was effective in advancing their personal political careers.

  • Initially efficient collaboration in the 50s BCE, despite internal disagreements; success noted for their individual causes, leading to political advancement.

Breakdown of Alliance

  • Disintegration around the mid-50s BCE due to:
      - Death of Crassus.
      - Termination of the marriage alliance between Pompey and Caesar (death of Julia).
      - Increasing political instability and factional competition in Rome, leading to unrest.
      - Tensions highlighted by riots and social upheaval within different societal levels in Rome.

Political Dynamics by Late 50s BCE

  • Increasing competition noted between Caesar and Pompey, amidst an environment of senatorial opposition.

  • Caesar, having had notable military success particularly in Gaul, was emerging as a potent political figure.

Caesar's Return to Rome

  • Given legal immunity and military command, he wished to avoid being subject to litigation upon returning to Rome.
      - Roman citizens could face lawsuits after exiting their positions of power.

  • With mounting pressure from the Senate and Pompey, Caesar felt cornered.

  • Civil war appears imminent due to the political standoff, with Caesar feeling he could not yield his command without significant personal loss.

Crossing the Rubicon

  • Caesar's marked decision to move his army into Italy by crossing the Rubicon River, which was seen as a law breach, was irreversible.

  • Famous quote: "the die is cast" highlights the gravity of this decision.

  • Acknowledged collective responsibility by Caesar, Pompey, and the Senate for the ensuing civil war situation.

Civil War Overview and Outcomes

  • Despite the formidable position Pompey held with his seasoned military, Caesar emerged victorious in the civil war and undertook campaigns beyond Italy:
      - Spain (49 BCE)
      - Greece (where he defeats Pompey)
      - Egypt (meeting with Cleopatra)
      - Africa (46 BCE)
      - Return to Rome (45 BCE)

  • Caesar popularized the maxim, "I came, I saw, I conquered" during his victories, particularly in Pontus (47 BCE).

Caesar’s Political Maneuvering

  • Following his military successes, Caesar was appointed dictator, progressively:
      - First for a year, then for ten years, ultimately confirmed as dictator for life in 44 BCE.

  • Alarm emerged among the Roman elite regarding Caesar's consolidation of power and increasing influence in the Senate, leading to tensions.

  • Recognized historical pattern of individuals in Rome pushing institutional limits for personal gain, often under the guise of serving Rome.

Assassination of Julius Caesar

  • Assassination occurred on March 15, 44 BCE, driven by conspirators fearing Caesar’s increasing power.

  • Despite intention to restore the Republic, his assassination led to heightened turmoil and further civil unrest rather than stabilizing political order.

Reforms and Legacy

  • Notable reforms carried out during Caesar’s rule included the introduction of the Julian calendar, which had long-lasting impacts.

  • Caesar faced critiques for his power grabs and connections to monarchic tendencies which fueled conspirator actions.

Historical Sources and Perspectives

  • Examination of four key historical sources around Caesar’s assassination:
      1. Cassius Dio
         - Analysis of elite competition and jealousy towards Caesar's accomplishments as motivation for his assassination.
         - Presented arguments favoring monarchy over oligarchic rule, relating back to his context of imperial Rome.
      2. Nicholas of Damascus
         - He provided an external perspective, writing during the first century CE as an adviser familiar with monarchical structures.
      3. Suetonius
         - As a biographer writing anecdotes, he often criticized power abuses and examined Caesar's governance in a critical light.
      4. Brutus’ Letter to Cicero
         - First-hand account reflecting on the motivations behind the assassination with a biased viewpoint, justifying the actions taken against Caesar.

Conclusion and Next Steps

  • Emphasis on understanding the biases and contexts behind these historical narratives and documents concerning Caesar and the power structures of the time.

  • Encouragement to read the provided materials and discuss further the motives and implications surrounding Caesar’s assassination.