ANCIENT ROMAN HISTORY

THE RISE OF CAESAR

FEBRUARY 2020
 Sulla's successors

THE AFTERMATH Sulla's power grab meant that the Optimates (and

OF THE MARIUS-
the Senate) gained immense power in Rome. His
commanders (Pompey and Crassus) were among the

SULLA CIVIL
top politicians of the time.

Pompey and Crassus

WAR Marcus Licinus Crassus gained fame for suppressing
a slave revolt (73 - 71 BC) led by a Thracian gladiator,
POMPEY CRASSUS Spartacus. He was also the wealthiest person in
Rome, who held influence over the Senate.

Pompey (Cnaeus Pompeius Magnus) gained fame for

defeating the pirates who ravaged the coast of the
Roman Republic. Pompey had a conflict with
Crassus and the Senate because they didn't let him
settle down his veterans. 
 Caius Julius Caesar (100-44 BC)

IN COMES Descendant an old Populares family, relative of

Caius Marius

CAESAR had been exiled under Sulla

up-and-coming general, politician, orator

Caesar makes peace

Caesar makes peace between Crassus and
Pompey
helps them negotiate between themselves
and the Senate 
Caesar, Pompey and Crassus sign a secret
political pact between themselves in 60
The First Triumvirate (60 - 53 BC)
divide territories between themselves
Caesar - Gaul (Gallia)
Pompey - Hispania
Crassus - Syria
CAESAR IN GAUL (58-50)
Caesar's proconsulship and campaign in Gaul
was a milestone in his career. He showed his
military leadership against the Gauls in the
Gallic War, which he won at the Battle of Alesia
(52 BC).
THE CIVIL WAR STARTS
49-45 BC CAESAR POMPEY
In 53 BC, Crassus was defeated and killed by
the Parthians in Syria
This left Pompey and Caesar fighting for
singular power in Rome
Pompey made amends with the Senate, and
asked for Caesar to return from Gaul and resign
leadership of his legion
Ceasar, at the helm of his loyal legion, crossed
the Rubicon River in 49 breaking an ancient
Roman law, which meant he was ready to
march on Rome
CAESAR'S VICTORY
CAESAR POMPEY
Caesar defeated Pompey in the Battle of
Pharsalus (48 BC)
Pompey fled to Egypt but Caesar's followers
assassinated him a month later
Caesar himself goes to Egypt and has an affair
with Pharaoh Cleopatra VII with whom he has a
son: Caesarion
Caesar himself defeats the Parthians (who had
killed Crassus) at the Battle of Zela (47 BC)
On his return to Rome, Caesar starts amassing
magistrates:
tribune, consul, censor, pontifex maximus
dictator for life in 45
CAESAR'S REFORMS
He mints new and stable currency
He raises the membership of the Senate to 900 
He reforms the Roman calendar (Julian calendar)
He starts the first newspaper (Acta Diurna)
He gives out grain and money to the plebs
He settles down his veterans on the Colonies
 CAESAR DID NOT RESPECT THE TRADITIONS OF THE REPUBLIC WITH
HIS POWERGRAB (ESPECIALLY HIS DICTATORSHIP). THEREFORE, ON 15
MARCH 44 BC, THE SENATORS CONSPIRED AGAINST HIM AND
ASSASSINATED HIM ON THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE .
 THE GREAT CONSPIRACY
AGAINST JULIUS CAESAR
(TED-ED)