Cyber Day; Post 26
In accordance with the designated testing time, I will be taking my Ancient Rome test on Tuesday, June 2nd from 1:25 to 2:15 PM. Besides stating our knowledge of the assessment's time, we were instructed to write notes on the slideshow regarding the rise and fall of Julius Ceasar. More specifically, notes on the Slides 32-42, of which can be found below as well as a Personal Reflection:
The Rise and Fall of Julius Ceasar
In an effort to please the plebs, Juvenal, a Roman Poet, stated that Rome desired two things: bread and circuses. These two things came in the literal form of grain (bread) from the state and entertainment compliments of the Colosseum. In having both, it was expected that the plebs would remain quiet, distracted, and docile.
Although not successful, Tiberius Gracchus noticed that courting the plebians could reap sizable rewards. To which military generals would court plebians and allow them to indulge in certain Roman riches, of course not until they conquered their land. Unlike today, loyalty for soldiers was to be more focused on the military leader rather than the Republic (Rome).
In his relatively short life, Julius Ceasar (100 - 44 BC) conquered the large territory of Gaul, which enabled him to be a highly successful general.
Julius Ceasar, like other modern-day politicians, played to the common folk's sense of happiness. In doing so, he made friends with higher-ranking leaders around his region such as Pompey and Crassus, both of which were extremely successful. Pompey conquered Syria and Palestine whereas Crassus was known to be the richest man alive. These three men (including Julius Ceasar) formed the First Triumvirate. The First Triumvirate was the first time the "rule of three men" had been established.
In accordance with the fact that soldiers were often loyal to leaders as to Rome, Julius Ceasar was able to utilize their devotion to sweep through Gaul, Cross the Rubicon River, and remain in power as a dictator.
In his reign, Julius Ceasar served as consul (one year) then goes onto appoint himself as the governor of Gaul, his newly conquered land. Out of pure spite, Pompey becomes his rival, to which their armies clash in Greece, Asia, Spain, and even Egypt, resulting in a victory for Julius Ceasar. In 44 BC, Julius is then named a dictator for six months, which then progresses for life.
In proving his ability to lead, Julius Ceasar granted many opportunities to the average person, often granting citizenship, expanding Roman rule in government (adding to the senate), creating jobs through publicly funded projects, and even creating colonies which allowed for further land ownership.
In viewing Julius Ceasar's rise in power as a clear threat to their political viability, several senators (of which were not punished for their actions) lured Julius into the Senate where he would be stabbed to death (23 times, to be exact). Among the murderers some of Julius's own friends such as Brutus. Following his death, Octavian was named Julius's sole heir, marking the grim and immediate end to the republic.
Personal Reflection:
Following further details of Julius Ceasar's life, I'm beginning to make more and more analogies between his rule and the rulers of today. Most particularly that they may seem likable by many, but far more hated by others. This held true for Julius Ceasar, who seemed to have had a great life prior to his assassination. In basically ending the republic, Julius's death ended numerous additional possibilities for a life-altering history to which affects our lives today. Though, this theory, like so many others can be applied to other events within our Western studies, including that of Ancient Greek life and possibly Egyptian rule. Although these analogies may seem like a stretch, I like many others were shocked to begin to understand the severe impact the ancient civilizations of the past have had on our world today.
Works Cited:
With that said, I conclude my 26th Blog Post; Till next time, Stay Safe!
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