Western Civ Blog 53

Today on our online western civ class we had to take notes on Slides 32-42 from "Chi Cago's Guide to Ancient Rome," which covers the rise and fall of Julius Caesar. We will be taking out test on June 2. Two things that kept the plebs happy and that kept them from revolting was bread and circuses. bread, free grain from the state, and entertainment, circus Maximus, Colosseum, partly to keep them alive, and partly to keep them quiet, distracted, and docile. Tiberius Gracchus recognized the advantages of courting the plebeians. Military generals worked that angle, they lead an army that conquers a land, then give them a share in the spoils. Soldiers’ loyalty was to their military leader, not necessarily to Rome or the Republic. Julius Caesar, 100 - 44 BCE, was a highly successful general. He conquered the huge territory of Gaul. Politics made common folks happy and made Julius friends in high places. Pompey, a general who conquered Syria and Palestine. Crassus was was the richest man in Rome, one of the richest men in all history. These three men formed the First Triumvirate, called “rule of three men." Caesar serves as consul for one year. Then appointed himself governor of Gaul. Pompey got jealous, and becomes his rival. Caesar’s armies clash with Pompey’s in Greece, Asia, Spain, and Egypt. Caesar won. In 44BC Caesar was named dictator, first for six months, then for life. Caesar granted citizenship to people in provinces. He expanded the Senate, adding his friends. He also created jobs for the poor, especially through public works projects. Then he increased pay for soldiers. Last, he started colonies where those without land could own property