Discussion # 8, Hist 1.1: Plot Against Caesar

Topic: Plot Against Caesar

As the victor of the war against Pompey and the Senate, Gaius Julius Caesar began to take actions to undermine the traditional structure of the Republic. Although he had received dictatorial powers that enabled him to restore order and stability to the Empire, he overstepped his boundaries when he began to assume traditional offices and powers that others expected to achieve; he held various offices, including the consulship, several times. He renamed a month, July, after himself, began minting coins with his portrait and ordered that several statues of himself be placed in spaces that were normally reserved for the gods. He began to act with complete disregard to political tradition as he dramatically expanded the number of imperial officials and appointed men loyal to himself to these new positions.

On February 14, 44 BCE Caesar assumed a new dictatorship for perpetuity. For many, this was a sure sign that Caesar was aiming to make himself king--a move so offensive that several Senators conspired against him because they believed he was trying to destroy the Republic. Gaius Julius Caesar was assassinated in March 15, 44 BCE.

Directions: Two Points of View

Read your text and notes, do some careful research, and watch the videos, especially the one about the Assassination of Julius Caesar. This involves some role-playing: pretend you are a Senator and Brutus and Cassius have approached you  and others and asked you to join their plot to murder Caesar. You are convinced and agree to join them. Explain your reasons for getting rid of Julius Caesar. Also try to convince others by explaining how Rome will be better without Caesar and why Caesar is a threat to your values, tradition, and political system.

This post is your opinion and there is no right or wrong answer. Your points will be based on completion of the assignment (based on the rubric) and whether you use support from the text, lecture, or internet. 6 points total, 3 for your initial post and 3 for replying to someone's post. Your post should be about a paragraph long and your reply to someone's post should be a paragraph as well.

I recommend that you create your initial post by Apr 14, at 11:59 pm so that others may have an opportunity to reply.

You must also contribute a Response to 1 classmate's post: Read another student's post and pretend you are a different Senator and you oppose the plot, explain your reasons why Caesar should be allowed to remain in power. In what ways is Rome better with Caesar in control? How are his ideas compatible with the Republic? How will his death destabilize the Empire?

Posts can have more than one reply. Follow the netiquette guidelines below and use evidence to support or disagree with the original post. This is not a place for insults or arguments so use proper language.

Your Response is due by Apr 15, at 11:59 pm

• Turning this assignment in late will result in loss of 1 point per day, up to 3 points.
• Click on the reply button, below to get started.

Purpose:

To evaluate student's critical analysis of historical events.

Rubric:

To view the rubric attached to this discussion, click on the gear box in the upper right and select Show Rubric. 

Netiquette:

• Be kind and respectful to others
• Use full sentences
• Avoid jargon and acronyms
• Use language that supports others