Active learning ideas
Julius Caesar is perhaps the most famous figure of the ancient world. This topic traces his rise through the Roman political system, his conquest of Gaul, and the civil war that led to his appointment as 'dictator in perpetuity'. Students analyze his political strategies, his relationship with the urban poor, and the motivations of the conspirators who assassinated him on the Ides of March.
Activity 01
Students act as the prosecution and defense in a trial of Brutus and Cassius. They must argue whether the assassination was a legal act of 'tyrannicide' to save the Republic or a criminal act of murder and treason.
How did Caesar use the First Triumvirate to advance his career?
Activity 02
In small groups, students analyze excerpts from Caesar's 'Commentaries on the Gallic War'. They must identify how he used his military reports as political propaganda to build his reputation back in Rome.
What were the consequences of his crossing the Rubicon?
Activity 03
Students read about the legal implications of a general bringing his army into Italy. They discuss in pairs whether Caesar had any other choice to protect his 'dignitas' or if he was simply seizing an excuse for civil war.
Was Caesar a tyrant or a reformer?
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A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Caesar was the first Emperor of Rome.
Caesar was a Dictator, a traditional (though modified) Republican office. His great-nephew Augustus was the first to be considered an Emperor. Using a 'title comparison' activity helps students distinguish between the different types of power held by Caesar and Augustus.
The Senate hated him because he was a 'man of the people'.
While he was a 'Populare,' many senators hated him because he bypassed traditional aristocratic processes and threatened their personal power. A role-play of a Senate meeting helps students see the personal and class-based nature of the opposition to Caesar.
Methods used in this brief
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