Discussion 05: Tuesday, 14. April 2020.

The readings for today's class were History of the Ancient World by Bauer Chapters
78 and 79, and Suetonius' Life of Caesar. Think about and answer some of the following
questions in a thoughtful and complete manner (at least one solid paragraph). Please also
respond to at least two other peers.
Those who were set to present today should also write a longer post that details a
thorough summary, and pose at least two of their own questions in their posts.
I. What is the story of Spartacus about?
II. What was the relationship between Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus?
III. Why was Julius Caesar seen as so dangerous?
IV. What was the First Triumvirate, and what did this do to society?
V. What happened when Caesar landed in Britain?
VI. Why was the Senate against Julius Caesar?
VII. What was the reason behind the civil war of the 1st century BCE, when Caesar
crossed the Rubicon?
a. What happened when he did so?
VIII. How was Julius Caesar's entrance into Italy differ/compare to previous conquerors?
IX. How did Julius Caesars' reign influence the future of Egypt?
X. What were some of the institutions and changes that Caesar made when he became
dictator/consul?
XI. Julius Caesar was very close to Mark Antony, however when Caesar was killed, and
Octavian (later Augustus) rose to power, Antony and Augustus were at odds. Why is
this?
XII. What is the significance of Caesar having fallen before the statue of Pompey?
a. Did this really happen?
XIII. What happened between Octavian and Mark Antony? Who came out victorious?
XIV. What did Octavian's victory at Actium usher in?
XV. What is the difference between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire?
XVI. Why did Augustus transfer the state from his own power to the control of the Roman
senate and people?
a. Did he actually or was this for show?
XVII. Augustus is not only the first Roman Emperor, but he is seen as the greatest, with no
comparable opponent. Why is this? Was he truly the greatest?
XVIII. Why did Augustus refuse to call himself the first Emperor, but rather gave himself the
title First Citizen?
XIX. What did Augustus say on his deathbed? What does this mean? What is he
acknowledging in his last lines?
Question I: What is the story of Spartacus about?
Question II: What was the relationship between Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus?
Question III: Why was Julius Caesar seen as so dangerous?
Question IV: What was the First Triumvirate, and what did this do to society?
Question V: What happened when Caesar landed in Britain?
Question VI: Why was the Senate against Julius Caesar?
Question VII: What was the reason behind the civil war of the 1st century BCE, when Caesar
crossed the Rubicon? What happened when he did so?
Question VIII: How did Julius Caesar’s entrance into Italy differ/compare to previous
conquerors?
Question IX: How did Julius Caesar’s reign influence the future of Egypt?
Question X: What were some of the institutions and changes that Caesar made when he
became dictator/consul?
Question XI: Julius Caesar was very close to Mark Antony, however when Caesar was killed,
and Octavian (later Augustus) rose to power, Antony and Augustus were at odds. Why is
this?
Question XII: What is the significance of Caesar having fallen before the statue of Pompey?
Did this really happen?
Question XIII: What happened between Octavian and Mark Antony? Who came out
victorious?
Question XIV: What did Octavian’s victory at Actium usher in?
Question XV: What is the difference between the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire?
Question XVI: Why did Augustus transfer the state form his own power to the control of the
Roman Senate and people? Did he actually or was this for show?
Question XVII: Augustus is not only the first Roman Emperor, but he is seen as the greatest,
with no comparable opponent. Why is this? Was he truly the greatest?
Question XVIII: Why did Augustus refuse to call himself the first Emperor, but rather gave
himself the title First Citizen?
Question XIX: What did Augustus say on his deathbed? What does this mean? What is he
acknowledging in his last lines?