Julius Caesar Myth vs Shakespeare

Certainly, Julius Caesar was a prominent figure in ancient Roman history, and his life has been the subject of Shakespeare’s famous play “Julius Caesar.” In all my years as a educator, “Julius Caesar” is by far my favorit play to teach and discuss in class. To see some of my classroom resources follow this link.

Life of Julius Caesar:

1. Early Life: Julius Caesar was born in 100 BCE into a noble Roman family. He came from a line of politicians and military leaders, which greatly influenced his career.
2. Political Career: Caesar rose through the Roman political ranks, serving as a military general, consul, and governor of various provinces. He formed the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, which helped consolidate his power.
3. Military Campaigns: Caesar is renowned for his successful military campaigns in Gaul (modern-day France and Belgium) where he expanded Roman territory. His military prowess and victories enhanced his reputation.
4. Civil War: Caesar’s growing power and rivalry with the Senate led to a civil war against the forces of Pompey. He emerged victorious after the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BCE.
5. Dictatorship: In 49 BCE, Caesar was appointed dictator perpetuo, effectively making him a dictator for life. This alarmed many in the Senate, who saw him as a threat to the Roman Republic’s traditional institutions.
6. Assassination: On the Ides of March (March 15), 44 BCE, Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of senators, including Brutus and Cassius. This act was intended to prevent what they saw as his monarchical ambitions.

Shakespeare’s Play “Julius Caesar”:

1. Title Character: The play “Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare, written in 1599, focuses on the life and political career of Julius Caesar.
2. Tragic Plot: The play is a tragedy that delves into the political intrigue and personal conflicts surrounding Caesar’s rise to power and eventual assassination. It explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of political decisions.
3. Characters: Key characters include Julius Caesar, Brutus, Cassius, Mark Antony, and Octavius Caesar. Their complex relationships and conflicting loyalties drive the plot.
4. Famous Lines: The play contains several famous lines, including “Beware the Ides of March” and Mark Antony’s funeral oration that begins with “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.”
5. Portrayal of Caesar: Shakespeare’s depiction of Caesar, while significant, is relatively brief in the play. The character is portrayed as a successful but potentially tyrannical leader whose assassination sets off a chain of events.
6. Themes: The play explores themes of power, loyalty, honor, and the moral complexities of political decisions. It shows the consequences of the conspirators’ actions as Rome descends into civil war.

In summary, Julius Caesar was a Roman political and military leader whose life is portrayed in Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar.” The play captures the political intrigue and personal rivalries of the time and explores timeless themes of power, loyalty, and the consequences of political actions.

This is part of my Readings In History series. Where I try to collect resources from historical events and pop culture to talk about and discuss in my classes. To see more of these entries click here.