Roman Times

Today in West Civ, we started discussing Julius Caesar. I never knew much about him, just that he is associated with the Roman government. It is really interesting.
Her are some of my notes from class today:

Gracchus brothers- represent the regular folks
Thought the middle class was gaining too much power
Spoke for the lower classes' land, after the war
They got the assemble to pass a law
Latifundia, Patricians massive estates
Pg 97- definition of Protarians- people that still had the power to vote even though they had lost everything, but are still citizens.
Pg 99- changes of Rome… it was now landless portarians that fill the army
Rome changed their military style, from patriotic men fighting for their company to paid citizen soldiers. They would loot- get the stuff you rampage as their reward. They better themselves through pay. The government is less essential to the lives of the people, it is your particular army. Your chieftain is th one calling the shots.
Caesar was a brilliant military leader, conquered land, got people fired up through his speeches. He would fight with the army, instead of watching like previous leaders.
He came from an old patrician family, he wanted to regain the family gain.
Was ambitious. Knew what it was like to loss what you used to have.
In social struggles, he sided with the lower class.
In 600 BC, he began to collaborate with Pompey, who was an officer and Crassus. The three of them formed the first Triumvirate. Pompey was the richest man in Rome at the time. Crassus was a military general. Was the Bill Gates of his time. Tried to be a power government. A shadow government, with him the brains, Pompey the wealthy provider, and Crassus the military.
Caesar conquered Gaul. By 50 BC he created an army devoted to himself. He has all the components for power. Strong military, wealth, and the people's support
Crassus is trying to do what Caesar does, but not winning
Pompey stays in Rome and .......
• He invaded Rome, like he conquered Gaul.
• He decided to come back with his army, and break roman law.
• Pompey's forces were no match, and easily defeated.
• Pompey was murdered, once he crossed him, Caesar had him killed.
• The senate doesn’t want to mess with him. They call him the father of the fatherland, to make him feel very important.
• It still is a republic though.
• Being a smart politician, he became a magistrate in many parts of the army. He suddenly became the most powerful part of the assemble. He named himself consul. He ran senate because he was an aristocrat. And then became dictator for a 10 year term. He has taken over, the first time since Tarquin. He is basically the king.
• The poor loved him, but the wealthy hated him. The army and assemble liked him. The senate didn't, because they lost power. He showed respect to them, but didn’t listen to them. He kept the loyalty of the army.
• Exactly like the Gracchus brothers except later on. No one could try to kill him.
• He let the conquered people become citizens and appointed some for the assemblies.
• He made things better, improved roads and aqueducts. To improve the life of a regular person.
 
 
Not in book-
• Rubicon- Up to were Italy is, there is a river. That marked the difference form Rome and
• Huge moment, Cross the river or follow the other two's orders
• Any time you have a big decision, that you can't turn back, it is now a saying.