Essays on Julius Caesar

In William Shakespeare’s play Julius Caesar, the conspirators give several reasons why it is just to assassinate Caesar who is gaining more and more power that he is starting to become a dictator of democratic Rome. Now ordinarily one would be wary of taking part in murdering someone especially when they consider the consequences but the conspirators thought this was the just thing to do for the sake of Rome. While this seems like a very noble reason, however, Shakespeare seems to suggest that the conspirators planned Caesar’s death in order to replace one ruler with another ...

“Et tu, Brute?” Many people recognize this pithy question as Julius Caesar’s last words upon seeing Roman senator Marcus Julius Brutus, with whom he had a relationship akin to that of a father and son, among his murderers on March 15, 44 BC. The phrase roughly translates to, “You too, Brutus?”. However, there is no historical evidence these were Caesar’s last words; more likely; they were popularized by William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in the sixteenth century. Known as the Ides of March, Caesar’s death is one of the most famous political overthrows in all of ...

Introduction

This essay will use sources from six key films, and written text in order to describe, discuss, and analyze how society picks on people with less power over time. The sources used in this essay, depict a narrative where there is an underdog, and a person in a position of authority over them. They highlight the underdog’s struggle to align themselves with the values of society, and to be recognized as equal members within it. Each of the narratives discussed in this essay depicts people who are used, and discarded by society. These underdogs are seen as outcasts ...

Italian scholars attending the one American university “Chairs of Wisdom” have presented different volumes of nostalgic stories that reflect the history and the events of ancient histories of Italy. One of these scholars has had a great success with his book on the popular stories that have interested readers around the world. Michael Parenti is one of the renegade Italian American scholars whose works have caused much controversy in the literary world. He writes of the spell-binding moments of history and the popular illusions of the reality of the events that happened in the social history of ancient. The ‘ ...

Rome brought light to the darkest and the most barbaric places of the world, and if and when it did, these were areas that posed value to the strategic interests of the empire rather than be regions that needed civilizing. Britain was the island whose unique geography allowed founding a city serving the imperial interests well. Its conquest improved the image of the empire as a formidable force to reckon with and enhanced the reputation of the emperor. Furthermore, the introduction of religious and cultural buildings into Londinium served the ideological purpose of exposing the new subjects to the ...

The traditional image of Julius Caesar, whether in the popular imagination, or in the many dramas based on his life starting from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar up to HBO’s series Rome, and even in many scholarly histories of Rome, presents a rather unflattering image of the man. However, this image is far from the truth. Julius Caesar is traditionally presented as a tyrant and a dictator who sought to become king, and who destroyed the republic of Rome because of his ambition to be King. Yet, Caesar, it seems was none of these things. While he may ...

The name of this woman is shrouded in the fog of romanticism and mystery associated with the legend of extraordinary beauty and mysterious death. What was this woman for real? What is the secret of interest in her? Why did historical tradition and Shakespeare bound together the names of Cleopatra and Caesar, Cleopatra and Anthony? Cleopatra VII Philopator was born in 69 BC. Her father was Ptolemy XII Auletes. Besides, her family had two sisters and two brothers, both younger than her. Ptolemaic Dynasty at this point of time existed for nearly two centuries. Their power in Egypt appeared ...

A republic is a form of government in which power is clearly and openly given to people as a right or responsibility. The people or citizens in turn use the power to elect the desired leaders or representatives. On the other hand, an empire is a form of government that represents a group of nations, people or groups. The government was in the form of an empress, or a powerful sovereign. The republican government in Rome began with the overthrow of a Roman monarchy. The constitutional government lasted for over 450 years until it was overturned in 29 BC. Before its conversion, the Roman ...

INTRODUCTION

When the average person thinks of ancient Rome the first thoughts that often come to mind are the immense columns and marble architecture synonymous with the era, they imagine the power and wealth of one of the most successful Empires of its time or they see it is as the modern epicenter of, the Christian religious denomination, Catholicism for the bulk of the world. However, the history of Rome is not just a story of arts, architecture, wealth, decadence or religious locale; it is also a story of immense wars, dictatorships, religious intolerance, mass conquests, a number of bloody wars, shifting religious ...

Julius Caesar is perhaps one of the most popular and powerful political, military, and economic leader who have ever lived. In this paper, the author is going to give out specific reasons why Julius Caesar can easily be considered as the most influential person in history. It was in 60 B.C. when Julius Caesar won the election as consul for 59 B.C. The results of the election were fairly close because of the strong reputation and apparently incorruptible character that the other two candidates had . However, what made Julius Caesar win the election was his strong background and popularity as a ...

Literature

In order to understand the role of women in Victoria’s England, it would be of interest to study the role of women during the Roman Empire. Why this is important, is because, there is a lot of similarities in the way England was ruled in comparison to Rome. The Roman society was undoubtedly dominated by men, and this is evident by the names of great leaders such as Julius Caesar, and Augustus. The Roman Catholic Church too had a huge role to play in the social and cultural life of the people of Rome. Despite evidences drawn from Roman history, ...

Shakespeare in the “Julius Caesar” play was much concerned about how individual lives. He provides an insight of the human’s life by raising the argument about the aptitude free will versus the power of fate in life. The playwright ultimately backs the philosophy in which freedom and fate have delicate coexistence. He uses characters such as Cassius, Caesar and Brutus to bring about the issue of the fate and free will. As Cassius and Brutus were attempting to eliminate Caesar from power, Caesar suggested “men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is ...

INTRODUCTION

When most people think of Ancient Rome, they imagine great marble statues, sky-soaring columns, and men and women dressed in draped togas. However, there is one name that is eternally synonymous with this Ancient era, Julius Caesar, the great and incredibly powerful ruler, whose reign would end with his assassination, by his friend and peers. Most people’s interpretation of Julius Caesar comes not from history, but from the imagination of the William Shakespeare, in 1599, within the pages of his play titled, “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” (Layson and Zurcher 1). Many people see this play as a pointedly ...

Cleopatra was the queen of Egypt, a symbol of beauty, intelligence, power, and bravery. Her romance, politics, and entire life have encountered many magical appeal that strongly captivated Egypt, Rome, and the world. The effect of her unique characteristics has been told in every generation that highly considered the style of art and fashion. Cleopatra was rich, cruel, and extremely appealing. She has made a history that fascinated the people during her time and today. People have found different inspirations in the fascinating characteristics of Cleopatra through the ages. Her influence as a person or a woman has demonstrated a great impact in today’ ...

During college and university periods, students take different classes in which they learn and acquire more knowledge about many important things. For my third semester at Valencia College which was in the fall of 2014, I have chosen a class without knowing how interesting it would be for me. Every professor around the world has different ways for teaching many things. My class Introduction to Humanity with doctor Jeffery Donley has been the best class that I have ever taken. During the entire semester, I have learned a lot about different cultural and historical significances but the most important for me ...

World History

We stand in awe thinking of these modern female leaders. Many of them made names in our history and were given special names. The late prime mister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher was called the iron lady. She gained her name because of her firm decision and dedication as a female leader rising to the top in a political arena dominated by men. She brought England to economic progress. In spite of the political crises manifested by labor strikes and constant battle for supremacy in the House of Commons, she came up to be a champion. Another woman, akin to her ...

The Elizabethan period was a phase of industrial development, scientific improvements, commercial growths and eventually of material affluence. The period was intensely categorized by an unending hunger for knowledge, insatiable yearning for power and a fervent aspiration to disrupt the chains of human restrictions. Ambition can be fatal if one would pertain it to the obsessive hunger for an extraordinary power and knowledge practices the focal point of the entire plays of Marlowe. Doctor Faustus is the piece by Christopher Marlowe which arranges with the yearning for tremendous mortal knowledge which effects the everlasting punishment of the existence of the hero. ...

"The Lives of the Twelve Caesars" (De vita Caesarum) is the main work of Roman historian Suetonius, written during his tenure as secretary of Emperor Hadrian. It is a collection of biographies of Julius Caesar and the first 11 Roman princeps, from Augustus to Domitian. This work is one of the most important works of antiquity. It is written in simple language, and each biography of Emperors is written in a certain pattern. For example, Suetonius description always starts on the origin of of the each ruler, the early years of his life, his social activities, then proceeds to personal qualities ...

The assassination of Julius Caesar was the result of a conspiracy group of senators, led by Gaius Cassius Longinus and Marcus Junius Brutus. The conspirators wanted to overthrow Julius Caesar, who during the Civil War evolved from a military commander in the sole ruler of Rome. The conspirators killed Caesar March 15, 44 BC, which led to another civil war and eventually to the establishment of the rule of Caesar's heir Octavian as a Roman emperor. The reign of Caesar as dictator of the Roman Republic lasted for more than four years, and the Senate had no real power. However, the authority ...

"The Lives of the Twelve Caesars" (De vita Caesarum) is the main work of Roman historian Suetonius, written during his tenure as secretary of Emperor Hadrian. It is a collection of biographies of Julius Caesar and the first 11 Roman princeps, from Augustus to Domitian. This work is one of the most important works of antiquity. It is written in simple language, and each biography of Emperors is written in a certain pattern. For example, Suetonius description always starts on the origin of of the each ruler, the early years of his life, his social activities, then proceeds to personal qualities ...

Introduction

Throughout the history of any nation, there are main concepts associated to that particular nation. Some of the concepts that dominated various in their chronological development include; nationalism, industrialization, globalization, flattening, economic systems and social Darwinism. These concepts vary depending on the political ideologies or cultural believes or social setting of the people. Nationalism is the political ideologies that consist of an individual identifying with or posses close attachments to their nation of origin. Nationalism brings a sense of national identity; it is related to patriotism. On the other hand, economic system is a system of distribution and production of goods ...

Analysis of Selections from Nagel, What Does It All Mean?

Thomas Nagel’s 1987 book, What’s It All Mean?, offers an introduction to philosophical thought. He directs this book toward a person who has never studied philosophy before. He bases his introduction not in the writings of the great philosophers or great thinkers, but instead he offers nine categories of questions for his reader to think about. As he puts it, “The main concern of philosophy is to question and understand very common ideas that all of us use every day without thinking about them” (Nagel 5). By laying out these problems and his ideas about them, Nagel encourages ...

Summary of Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

Historians and dramatists have a history of presenting their subjects differently. In order to ascertain the language used and the way they presented their protagonists, this paper looks at Shakespeare’s representation of Julius Caesar. Shakespeare wrote his play much after Caesar’s assassination; therefore, there is every possibility that Shakespeare could have used a lot more of dramatic presentations to influence his audience. Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar opens with a scene on the streets of Rome. Act I, Scene I. A street in Rome; enter Flavius, Marullus and some commoners. It begins in February 44 BC., when Julius Caesar enters ...

One of the most renowned tragedies written by Shakespeare, “Julius Caesar” was first performed in England in the year 1599. The play follows the rise of Julius Caesar as a ruler of Rome, the eventual dissent among the public against him, his assassination at the hands of those he trusted the most and the public realization of his worth after his death. Although it may not seem apparent, the story and character of Julius Caesar has been compared to that of Jesus Christ. While the former led the most powerful empire of the time, the latter was the founder of ...

Abstract

Those who strive for a cause way above their personal self are called leaders. Leaders who work as to bring harmony, to inspire and to create more leaders are named Transformational Leaders. A transformational leader is a must for every organization these days and they seek individuals out who have the potential of becoming one. Many examples of such leaders have filled the pages of history. Some have been highly coveted and some lesser so, but it is transformational leaders who have made a lot of difference in the world. This project is a study of transformational leaders, taking into account a very ...

‘Name’

‘Instructor’s name’ Plutarch or Lucius Mestrius Plutarchus, is a Greek writer and historian, known for his famous works, ‘Parallel lives’ and ‘Moralia’. Plutarch primarily was a priest at the Apollo Temple at Delphi, but he also served as a magistrate in Chaeronea and held office as an archon (a title for a specific public office). He lived from 46 to 120 AD and started his biographical works by writing about the Roman rulers from Augustus to Vitellius. His biographies can also be classified under studies about character and leadership traits, rather than as purely historical account of yesteryear rulers. This does not ...

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Introduction

Julius Caesar, perhaps the most prominent dictator of the Republic of Rome, is among the most important figures in history. The charisma emanating from populist approaches and emphasis on skilled rhetoric of Caesar made him a symbol of radical political changes in Ancient Rome. It is during the reign of Caesar as dictator when Rome expanded its boundaries, incorporating the British Isles and Gaul, now present-day France. Such has become possible through the superior military power of troops that served under Caesar, whose tactical nous has earned him both admirers and critics ( ...

1) In the 1960 Stanley Kubrick film Spartacus, Spartacus (played by an icy and heroic Kirk Douglas) is an effective presentation of the character within the context of the film itself. Douglas' steely presence, indicated by his fierce eyes and imposing physicality, shows a character of immense strength and courage. He is a man of action, using few words, especially in the beginning, to convey his inner thoughts; like many slaves, his thoughts turn only to survival, lashing out with an economical sense of force in the many gladiatorial training and battle scenes he is to endure throughout the film. His ...

- Who is Octavian and how does he come to power? What are some of the things Octavian does once he is in power? Why is Octavian so important in Roman history? Octavian or Augustus as he later became known was the first Roman Emperor, the man who ended the civil war that followed the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC. Although adopted by Julius Caesar Octavian came to power after defeating his main opponent Antony and his ally Cleopatra of Egypt at the battle of Actium in 31 BC. He then established the Principate, in which ...

The collapse of the Roman Empire has been studied by hundreds if not thousands of scholars over time. Reasons why the fall took place are plentiful; however, the actions of one figure have been studied closely: that of Julius Caesar. Examining the letters and documents of Caesar, Marcus Tullius Cicero, and Sallust will help to answer the question as to why the fall of the Roman Empire occurred and how much Caesar is to blame. However, it will be shown that although Caesar may have quickened the stage for collapse through an upset in the constitutional political system of ...

Thesis: In essence, the Roman Empire (750 B.C. - A.D. 500) and the Chinese Empire (350 B.C - A.D. 600) show similar struggles in the fight for dominance, but their religions are miles apart.

Conflict in Rome (750 B.C. - A.D. 500) and China (350 B.C - A.D. 600). Historically, the term conflict refers to a condition of prolonged fighting, that is, a war or battle. It is a struggle for domination between several opposing forces. It can also be defined as a clash or armed struggle between prearranged groups in a country or involving nations with the aim of achieving specific military ...

Augustus Caesar First Emperor of Rome: Despot or Good Leader?

Augustus Julius Caesar the First Emperor of Rome has a mythological presence in the history of Western Civilization. This paper discusses two contrasting views of his leadership qualities. Was Caesar a despot or was he a great leader? His legacy and the mark he left on history leaves no room for a moderate stand on this Caesar. Two articles will be used to help judge whether he was a positive force or a negative force. Both were written after the death of the First Emperor. The Deeds of the Divine Augustus by Augustus was published ...

Pompey was made sole consul in 52 BC. To what extent did he engineer the situation so that he would be called upon to "save the state?

Introduction:

Rome in 52 AD was a rather parlous state as it was still reeling from the effects of the slave revolt a few years earlier which had been crushed by Crassus and the constant bickering and infighting between himself, Julius Caesar and the same Crassus. Becoming First Consul in 49 BC was obviously important and crucial to the continued well being of the Republic and Pompey obviously felt very much in control when faced ...

Some of you might know me by my birth name, Gaius Octavius Thurinus, or Augustus meaning “the revered one” the title I have earned and have been granted by the senate of Rome. I’m the first emperor of Rome, and of course many of you might also recognize me as the nephew of my great uncle Julius Caesar. I’ve been ruling Rome from 27 BC – 14AD. It almost feels as I have been supporting Rome since 63 BC the year I was born.

I have fought in about 222 battles and have won about 199 of them. ...

Betrayal of the people by political elite, which is the central theme in William Shakespeare’s play, The tragedy of Julius Caesar will always remain a major concern in the modern world. For this reason, this play will forever continue to be relevant to the curriculum. William Shakespeare portrays the political elite as self centered individuals who betray the very people who elected them into leadership positions. Presidents and leaders make empty promises that they fail to fulfill. The death of Caesar further demonstrates this, as the Roman citizens’ object to the killing of their charismatic leader, who ...

Some of you might know me by my birth name, Gaius Octavius Thurinus, or Augustus meaning “the revered one” the title I have earned and have been granted by the senate of Rome. I’m the first emperor of Rome, and of course many of you might also recognize me as the nephew of my great uncle Julius Caesar. I’ve been ruling Rome from 27 BC – 14AD. It almost feels as I have been supporting Rome since 63 BC the year I was born.

Due to the fact that my father Gaius Octavius governor of Macedonia on 61 ...