Conspirators Kill Caesar on the Ides of March, 44 B.C.by Cheryl Vanbuskirk
The families who traditionally held the power in the Roman Senate made up an exclusive circle, proud of their power and prestige. A series of events began in 88 B.C. that were the result of aristocratic ambition and rivalry. A period of civil war began when the Senate passed over Marius in favor of Sulla, a member of one of the oldest patrician families in the republic, to command a major military expedition. While Sulla was busy gathering soldiers in Southern Italy, supporters of Marius convinced the Senate to reverse its decision. This was unconstitutional and angered Sulla, who retaliated by leading his troops against Rome itself. This began the first civil war in the history of Rome, and war remained the constant state of affairs for the next 50 years. The person who had the most impact during this troubled period
was Caesar (100–44 B.C.). Caesar was born into a noble family,
received an excellent education and developed his considerable intellectual
and literary talents. He was a commanding orator, able to use his
humor and wit to appeal to the people. Caesar was also a shrewd,
intense politician with unbridled ambition who easily won the respect
of his troops. After beginning his military career in Spain, he
returned to Rome, where he began a political alliance with Pompey
and Crassus, known as the first Triumvirate. They agreed to advance
each others’ interests, but the association fell apart within
10 years. After Crassus died in battle, severe strain developed
between Pompey and Caesar, which resulted in a long and bloody war
that raged from Spain to Greece and across northern Africa to Egypt.
In 49 B.C., Caesar also crossed the Rubicon River in Italy despite
the Senate ruling that forbade any Roman legion from crossing it.
This move marked Caesar distancing himself from the traditional
government structure of Rome. Caesar also gained support from the
poor and lower class by adopting a somewhat humble lifestyle as
a general. Caesar finally defeated Pompey’s forces in 45 B.C.
and declared himself dictator for life. March 17, 2009 Copyright © 2009 The Bulletin
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