Julius Caesar

The noblest man who ever lived in the tide of times. --Antony

Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world
Like a Colossus, and we petty men
Walk under his huge legs and peep about
To find ourselves dishonorable graves.
Men at some time are masters of their fates.
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
But in ourselves, that we are underlings. --Cassius (Julius Caesar I.ii.140-147)

Gaius Julius Caesar was certainly capable and talented, but the Optimates had good reason for viewing him as a threat to republican government. But ultimately, perhaps, the Optimates themselves were every bit as much to blame for the end of the Republic. --Art

I.    Intro: breakdown of triumvirate
II.    Pompey again the champion (52 BC)
III.    Caesar’s ability to challenge
A. Speaker/lawyer
B.    Writer (Gallic War/Civil War)
C.    General
D.    Real supporters in Senate
E.    Indifference of many senators
F.    Lots of troops at his disposal
G.    Anything but risk averse
H.    Knew how to make himself popular
I.    Friends in Rome
IV.    Potential problems
V.    Crossing the Rubicon
VI.    Victories at Pharsalus, Zela, Thapsus, Munda
VII.    Achievements--solution to problems
A.    Proletariat
B.    Economic problems
C.    Political problems
D.    Misc. reforms
VIII.    How does one evaluate Caesar?
IX.    Conspiracy against Caesar and the reasons for it
X.    And the winner is????