Learning Objective, Success Criteria…
L.O To know why Brutus and Cassius assassinated Julius Caesar.
Success Criteria
I can explain what happened as a result of Caesar’s death. I can identify why and how Julius Caesar was killed.
I can identify who plotted to kill Julius Caesar Key vocabulary: Julius Caesar, Roman empire, consul, ruler, Don’t forget at the end of the lesson to self assess (SA) power, assassination, on your sticker how successful you have been with Brutus, Cassius your learning using
Starter…
Look back over your fact file about Julius Caesar.
What facts did you include? Julius Caesar’s death
After defeating Pompey, he forced the Roman senate to make him dictator-for-life. With his power, he made many reforms to help the people of Rome, but also made many enemies along the way.
Many senators feared Caesar was taking their power. A group of senators led by Brutus and Cassius assassinated Caesar on the Ides of March (15th March). His death led to the end of the Roman Republic. Brutus and Cassius Marcus Junius Brutus (early June 85 BC – late October 42 BC), usually referred to as Brutus, was a politician of the late Roman Republic. He is best known for his leading role in the assassination of Julius Caesar.
Early life Brutus' father was killed by Pompey the Great after he had taken part in the rebellion of Lepidus. Some sources refer to the possibility of Caesar being his real father. His uncle adopted him in about 59 BC.
Brutus held his uncle in high regard. His political career began when he became an assistant to Cato, during his governorship of Cyprus. During this time, Brutus enriched himself by lending money at high rates of interest He returned to Rome a rich man.
From his first appearance in the Senate, Brutus aligned with the Optimates. They were all against Julius Caesar. Conspiracy to kill Caesar
Around this time, many senators began to fear Caesar's growing power after his appointment as Dictator for life. Brutus was persuaded into joining the conspiracy against Caesar. Eventually, Brutus decided to take action against Caesar. His wife was the only woman who knew about the plot.
The conspirators planned to kill Caesar on the Ides of March (March 15) that same year. On that day, Caesar was delayed going to the Senate because his wife tried to convince him not to go. The conspirators feared the plot had been found out. Brutus persisted, however, waiting for Caesar at the Senate, and allegedly still chose to remain even when a messenger brought him news that would otherwise have caused him to leave.
When Caesar finally did come to the Senate, they attacked him. The conspirators attacked in such numbers that they even wounded one another. Brutus is said to have been wounded in the hand.
After Caesar's assassination
After the assassination, the Senate passed an amnesty on the assassins. This amnesty was proposed by Caesar's friend and co- consul Mark Antony. Nonetheless, uproar among the people caused Brutus and the conspirators to leave Rome. Brutus settled in Crete from 44 to 42 BC. TASKS
Write a report about the men that killed Julius Caesar, including why and how he was killed and the results of his death.
Write a report about the men that killed Julius Caesar. Include why and how they killed him.
Write about the man who killed Julius Caesar using the information provided. Final Thoughts…
Was the plan involving Cassius and Brutus a good one?
Explain your thinking.