12 Ancient History - Home



Outline the significant political and military events in Rome prior to Caesar’s rise to prominence. (10 Marks)Optimates vs Populares OngoingDefine them Optimates often ‘abused’ popularesConstant conflict divisionDecay of Rep System Sulla and Marius Separate political alignments Over command in MithridatesCivil War 88-87BCSulla was victorious dictator Proscriptions less power of tribunes, more divisionPA Brunt “Achieved little besides adding to the sum of human history. Social discontents continued and the Senate remained indifferent to the distress of the poor”Changing Social Alliances As a result of Sulla and Marius From Senate to Generals Put strain on Rome Continuous battlesAdrian Goldsworthy “The rise of private armies was probably the most important problem besetting the Republic with which the Senate failed to deal with” Expansion of Rome As a result of Generals Ongoing expansionMore citizensStrain on resourcesPublic disorder Slave revolts Describe Julius Caesar’s role in the First Triumvirate. (10 Marks)Instigator He approached the menReason: consulship + powerEach man faced problems with Senate Plutarch “Caesar brought these men together, making them friends instead of enemies and used their united power to strengthen himself”Pompey Prestige + Crassus WealthHis Responsibilities When he gained consulshipLex agaria Pompey’s land bill for his VeteransTax rebate on farming land lost CrassusThe two would help him gain proconsular GaulMediator Both men had historyBoth fulfilled ambitions hostilityCaesar needed the TriumvirateOrganised Conference of Luca 56BC Acted as a mediator between the menManipulator Seen as manipulator; most powerfulAfter Luca consulship 55BC extension in GaulUsed Pompey to protect in Rome Plutarch “The whole of the Roman Empire into one man’s hands” Outline the political steps Caesar took in his rise to prominence, culminating with his appointment as dictator for life. (10 Marks)Early Years Marriage at 16 Rich familySulla’s proscriptionsAsia with Governor Thermus Corona Civicum Quaestor In 69BC Public officialTreasury + Financial Affairs of the State, Armies and Officers Min age 30Auto SenateCaesar: beginning of Journey Curule Aedile In 66BCMaintenance of public buildings Public festivals2 electedCaesar: lavish spending + Marius Statues Suetonius “In his aedileship he adorned the Capitol”Pontifex Maximus In 63BC Chief Priest of Rome Highest Religious PositionAccess to fundsCould not touch metal (war)Praetor + Pro Praetor In 62 BC Praetor is judge/magistrate deals with the lawCould field an army in emergencyPro Praetor SpainIn charge of the maintenance of the area Consul + Pro Consul First Triumvirate consulship 59BCPlutarch “The Whole of the Roman Empire into One man’s hands”Was highest public office2 elected each year, one year term Could pass legislations Caesar provided him with prestige Proconsul GaulDictatorshipAfter victory in Civil War with Pompey in 48BC Made dictator for one year in 47BCMade consul for 10 years in 46BCMade dictator for life in 45BC Contrast the relationship Caesar had with his army with the relationship he had with the senate. (10-15 Marks).Healthy with Troops Gained their loyalty and admirationPersonal relationship Plutarch “His ability to secure the affection of his men and to get the best out of them was remarkable” Eat, slept and fought alongside his troopsSuetonius “He always led his army, more often on foot than in the saddle, went bareheaded in sun and rain alike” Caesar was Master Tactician They trusted and Respected CaesarViewed as brave and heroic leaderExtra loyalty + bounty Suetonius “He always addressed his soldiers with not my men but comrades...he fixed the daily pay at double what is had been occasionally” Willing to fight to the deathEqual and Fair Treatment Suetonius “treated them with equal severity and indulgence” Enemy of the Senate Aligned with plebeiansDirect rival Rise to power threatCicero “some lacked courage, others the opportunity. None lacked the will” Disrespect and Actions Ignored Senate traditionsExcessive spending in aedileship annoyed SenateMarius statues deeply angered, wished to punishPopulation protected himIllegal legislations wanted to kill himJealousy Caesar was motivated, ambitious and successfulDrew envy from SenateThreatened by CaesarPlutarch “What made Caesar hated has his ambition to be King” In Favour with Senate However did have some supportPompey and CrassusTribunesMark AntonyDictatorship Discuss the significant personal relationships that Caesar had throughout his career. (10 – 15 Marks).?Cornelia First wife at 16Married for rich family Maintained marriage love ?Julia DaughterMarried PompeyStrengthened the TriumvirateDeath fall of Triumvirate First Triumvirate Secret political alliance Rights and responsibilities Crassus:Early in Career, during aedileshipEnormous wealthFunded his campaigns Pompey: Later in career, just before ConsulshipUsed for his influence and power Plutarch “the first disaster and the worst had not been the quarrel and split between Caesar and Pompey but the friendship and harmony that existed between them”Used the men to gain consulship During command in Gaul protect interestsExtension on Command Plutarch “Put the whole of the Roman Empire into one man’s hands” Brutus Most detrimentalWith Pompey in Civil WarShowed Clemancia TwiceViewed as his protige Plotted to kill CaesarIf only Mark Antony One of few men loyal to CaesarStaff in GaulProvided Support for Caesar in Senate when in GaulMagisterer Equitum in Civil War In dictatorship, was his rep in RomeConsidered one of Caesar’s only true friendsMark Antony “He was my friend, faithful and just to me” Explain the key influences on Julius Caesar up to 60BC. (15 Marks).Early Life Death of his FatherMarried Cornelia Rich Family Sulla’s proscriptions Defiance test of character Asia + Education Protection from Sulla Joined Governor Thermus Was successful: Corona Civica Educated as lawyerOrator Skills Cicero “ Do you know of any man who can speak better than Caesar” Knowledge of legal system Qauestor In 68BC Public Office Financial Obligations Seat in the Senate Beginning/stepping stones Curule Aedile In 65BC Public care + festivalsLavish and excessive spending Popularity Major debts Crassus Future Support Suetonius “In his aedileship he adorned the capitol” Pontifex Maximus Chief Priest of Rome Access to funds Pay off DebtsIf not, was screwed Could not touch metal short term Enabled enhancement of public image Praetor + Pro Praetor In 62BC elected Praetor Was like a Judge In 61 BC Pro Praetor of Spain Turning PointAlexander the Great Statue Brought order to Spain Enhanced reputation as capable military commander Ongoing Conflict with the Optimates Politically aligned with the Plebeians Throughout this time rivalStatues of MariusPlutarch “What made Caesar hated was his passion to be King” Assess the significance of the Gallic campaigns to Caesar’s rise to prominence. (15 Marks).Powerful and Loyal Army Genuine admiration and respect for CaesarPlutarch “Caesar’s army yearned for him...the forces in Gaul were ready to serve him”Experienced and Unified ArmyAllowed victory in Civil WarPlutarch “His ability to secure the affection of his men and get the best out of them was remarkable” Strong Relationship with Common People Enhanced reputation Recorded his progressExaggerated his feats Propaganda Extended Clientele ‘Protector of Gaul’Ensured popularity when he returnedAvoid Punishment for Legislations During his 59BC consulshipHe was in office avoid persecutionOtherwise DEATH Bounty Collected from villagesAble to repay debts + extra Payed soldiers extra loyalty Suetonius “he fixed the daily pay at double what is had been occasionally” Buy political support Growing Reputation Like no otherExtra dimension to his careerExperience in War Civil War Even some Senators Cursus Honorum Was stepping stones Gained knowledge, connections, support, experienceAedile Reputation Pontifex Debts W/O steps no Gaul First Triumvirate Secret coalition Access to new resourcesCrassus: WealthPompey: PrestigePreserved interest/protectionPlutarch “Placed the Whole Roman Empire into one man’s hands” Extension in Gaul Explain how various actions by Caesar got him out of favour with Roman aristocracy. (15 Marks).Political Alignment With People Gained popularity Rival of SenateSour Relationship Cicero “Some didn’t know the plot. Some lack courage, others the opportunity, none lacked the will” His actions Not welcomed in the Senate in 68BCLack of respect for traditions Excessive spending in aedileship weary and annoyedStatus of Marius greatly angeredPublic support protectionIllegal legislations Wanted punishment Abuse of power, detrimentalHowever, showed some respect (cursus honorum) Jealousy Motivated, ambitious and successfulThreatened by Caesar tried to stop him Plutarch “What made Caesar hated was his passion to be King” Compounded over timeWas threat to Republican system Just by progress out of favour Rapid Rise Cursus Honorum Weary of his potentialFirst Triumvirate FearSenate felt weakenedScullard “By uncompromising refusal to meet the demands of Pompey, Caesar and Crassus the Senate naturally drove them into each other’s arms” Success in Gaul Fear to aristocrats They plotted against himPower army FearIncreasingly conscious Refusal to Forfeit After success in GaulCaesar tried compromiseConfirmed Caesar as enemy Caesar “the Die is cast”, Sparked Civil WarDiscuss the Nature of Julius Caesar’s Reforms as Dictator (15 Marks) Italy and the Outer Empire The Lex Julia Municipalis enfranchised all Italian towns increased their loyalty to Caesar and increased stability within the Empire Mandated the building of Roman towns in Procinces extended Rome Changes the provincial tax system reduced corruption and increased loyalty to Caesar. Allowed the provinces to ‘share the power and wealth’ Granted citizenship to all in Cisalpine and Transpadene Gaul and other prvinces addressed the resentment of Italian allies, secured their support for Roman rule and enhanced the province’s status Founded around 20 overseas colonies settled problems of overpopulation in Rome, provided employment, increased Rome’s influence in Europe Senate and Magistrates Increased the number of annual magistracies, half would be elected and half would be nominated by Caesar increased opportunity for service in Rome and abroad, relieved tension in Roman political life. Broke the power of Senatorial cliques. Increased the number of Senators by 900, included Italians and other provincial clients Senators from Gaul and Spain gave the Senate’s edicts significance beyond Italy Judiciary Ensured equal number of Senators and Equestrians created more representative and stable court system Penalties for severe crimes were made more severe wealthy men had been able to escape with exile, Caesar made them more accountable Economic Reforms Creditors had to accept land as its pre war value in settlement of debts lenders were assured of some (if not all) their loans and profits. He issued coins in his own image images and legends were ideal means of propaganda for Caesar’s regime Public Works He used personal wealth to rebuild and build new public structures in the Forum created Rome’s first ‘imperial’ forum, the Julian Forum. Relieved overcrowding in the old Forum, established himself as a ‘legend’ Planned large library and commissioned scholars higher education in Rome Planned to drain city marshes, extend harbours, planned to build highways the scope of these works demonstrated Caesar’s genuine statesmanship Roman MassesLegislated that at least 1/3 of labourers on large estates had to be freedmen and not slaves reduced incentive to idleness and ensured jobs for poor, free men Most of remaining ‘public land’ in Italy was broken up to create small farms slowed the drain of landless men into Rome To what extent was Julius Caesar a successful General? (15 Marks)Early Career (time in the East) Joined Governor Thermus in AsiaWas successful: Corona Civica Displayed great bravery and intelligence for young man Pro-Praetor Spain In 61 BC Pro Praetor of Spain Brought order to Spain; was previously troubled region Enhanced reputation as capable military commander Gaul - Relationship with TroopsGained their loyalty and admiration Personal relationshipPlutarch “His ability to secure the affection of his men and to get the best out of them was remarkable” Eat, spelt and fought alongside his troopsSuetonius “He always led his army, more often on foot than in the saddle, went bareheaded in sun and rain alike” Gaul – Master Tactician Greatly outnumbered, outsized still achieved successAttacked tribes individually such as Hellveti tribe would kill off Gauls slowly Building bridge across the Rhine in 10 days unprecedented Vercingetorix ‘Scorched Earth Policy’ reversed it one Vercingetorix, depleted the Gaul’s resources, forced him to retreat to Alesia Surrounded Vercingetorix cut off his supplies During Battle of Alesia 52BC was attacked from both sides AND outnumbered called in for cavalry to flank opposition, ensured defeat Vercingetorix surrendered to Caesar ultimate compliment to Caesar’s abilities as a General Jordanes “Then came Caesar... who conquered all kingdoms and even seized islands beyond our world.”Civil War Civil War in 49BC with PompeyWas outnumbered almost 3 to 1 BUT once again was successful His forces had been fighting for almost 10 years tired but he was still able to successForced Pompey to retreat to Egypt knew he could not defeat Caesar Suetonius “Caesar was a most skillful swordsman and horseman, and showed surprising powers of endurance” Assess the Impact of Julius Caesar on Rome (15 Marks)First Triumvirate Established in 59BC; between Pompey, Caesar and Crassus Influence the Fall of the Roman Republic; gave Caesar a great deal of power and support, which Caesar would later use to overthrow the Roman Senate. Plutarch “the first disaster and the worst had been, not the quarrel and split between Caesar and Pompey, but the friendship and harmony that had existed between them” Was the major reason for the Civil Was with Pompey Scullard “Its formation was a turning point in the history of the Free State and it was, as both Cicero and Cato recognised, the ultimate origin of the Civil War of 49BC”.Destabilised the Roman Senate and Political system, paved the way for Octavius (Augustus) to continue Caesar’s efforts and convert the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. Heinrich Glezer’s “on the strength of an authority based solely on the loyalty of his soldiers, was reaching for the government of the Empire" Consulship In 59BC Introduced illegal legislations caused greater political rivalry Overpowered Bibulus angered Senate/Optimates Gaul Was proconsulship in 58BCProvided him with powerful and loyal army ensure success in Civil WarPlutarch “Caesar’s army yearned for him...the forces in Gaul were ready to serve him”Caesar gained popularity political division in society In defeating the Gauls, he established a large province in Europe expanded Empire Civil War With Pompey in 49BC Further split in Rome public disorder Victory changed the future direction of Rome (Republic or Empire)Dictatorship Returned from Civil War, made Dictator in 48BC Sparked the beginning of the Roman Empire Granted citizenship to Provinces expanded Empire Increased the number of annual magistracies increased opportunity for service in Rome and abroad, relieved tension in Roman political life. Broke the power of Senatorial cliques. Increased the number of Senators by 900, included Italians and other provincial clients Senators from Gaul and Spain gave the Senate’s edicts significance beyond Italy Reduced the power of the Optimates/Roman aristocrats more equality BUT also resentment of SenatorsPlutarch “What made Caesar hated was his passion to be King” Death At a Senate meeting in Pompey’s theatre on March 15, 44BC (The Ides of March) Caesar was stabbed to death Some of the conspirators were friends/allies of Caesar, who thought they were doing what was best for the Republic Their greatest mistake was thinking that this would somehow restore the ways of the old Republic, yet they had no plan or strategy of how this would happen Instead, Caesar’s death was a bigger blow to the Republic as it left Rome in a state of divide, riot and turbulence, resulting in a further 13 years of Civil War Analyse the motives for the Assassination of Julius Caesar (15 Marks)Jealousy Caesar had earned and acquired the most lavish honours ever bestowed upon a Roman citizen such as his victories became a national holidays, granted the title of ‘Impraetor’ as a family nameSenator’s jealous of his ambitionsCaesar’s immense ambition and his contempt for Republican traditions drive his opponents to desperate measuresCicero “Some didn’t know the plot. Some lack courage, others the opportunity, none lacked the will” Enlarged the Senate & Increased the number of officials Caesar increased the number of annual magistracies Broke the power of Senatorial cliquesIncreased the number of Senators by 900, included Italians and other provincial clients The Optimates no longer had extensive control Ensured equal number of Senators and Equestrians Judges Angered OptimatesPenalties for severe crimes were made more severe wealthy men had been able to escape with exile, Caesar made them more accountable. Angered OptimatesPromoted his own supporters Half of the Magistrates elected were by Caesar many Senators felt this was unfair and an abuse of PowerThe Senate tradition was being lost angered ‘Traditionalists’Caesar’s supporters had helped to create the very resentment that could lead to his murder. Caesar seemed largely indifferent to these honours, but never refused them Desire to Be KingRequired senators to swear an oath of allegiance to him personally (instead of to Rome) Was unprecedented, against Senatorial traditionsMany viewed this as an abuse of Power Fear grew that he would become an absolute KingAt the feast of Lupercal in February, 44BC, Mark Antony offered Caesar a crown Plutarch “What made Caesar hated was his passion to be King” Return to ‘Old Republic’ Brutus & other believed by killing Caesar return to oldWanted to reform his legislations Their greatest mistake was thinking that this would somehow restore the ways of the old Republic, yet they had no plan or strategy of how this would happen Instead, Caesar’s death was a bigger blow to the Republic as it left Rome in a state of divide, riot and turbulence, resulting in a further 13 years of Civil War ................
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