When thinking about ancient Rome in present day, students and historians usually make reference to one person, Julius Caesar, who is acknowledged as one of the most powerful dictators. The question remains, did the people of Rome believe that Caesar was a good ruler? Marcus Licinius Crassus was the wealthiest man in Rome through real estate, but his social status was very low. After his family name was stripped away from them during the Marian-Cinnan prescriptions, he was on a journey to work his way back up the social ladder. With the help from Julius Caesar, he was able to achieve what he wanted, recognition from the Roman people, while Crassus in return reciprocated the favor by lending Caesar as much money as he needed in hopes of becoming
Another beneficial factor towards Caesar’s conquest was the disunity of the Gallic tribes, which was reminiscent of the Greek city-states. When the Celt’s hatred finally drove them together under the leader Vercingetorix, Caesar’s army was almost defeated (Source 2). However, he remained hopeful and fought alongside his troops, speaking words of encouragement. This provided the necessary motivation to win this battle among many others. Some historians may argue that the Caesar’s expansion of Rome was dangerous, but the lands he gained actually served as defensive buffer zones (Source 1).
How far did Cromwell succeed in enhancing Royal Power by 1539? (30marks) Thomas Cromwell started from quite humble origins, and managed to work his way into some of the most prestigious positions in England at that time. Cromwell stayed with Cardinal Wolsey when he fell from power, which proved his loyalty, which impressed Henry VIII. As well as his position in Parliament where he tried to reduce the power and influence of the church. It is now widely accepted that if his plans to enhance royal power and revolutionise the government were not far-sighted, his political and administrative skills were essential to their success.
The reason for the choice is that Brutus has a high standing in the Roman society, and the people are more likely to listen to what he says. In Act 1 Scene II, Cassius tries to find out Brutus’ position with regard to the rising power of Caesar. When he concludes that Brutus does not like the dictatorship, he talks highly of Brutus and his ancestors with a view to enlist his co-operation for the venture. At the end of the discussion, which shows signs of Brutus’ wish to support the work to be undertaken, and after he leaves the scene, this is what Cassius says to himself: “Well, Brutus, thou art noble;”. Act I Scene II Mark Antony too confirms this opinion about Brutus when he says: “That Nature might stand up and say “‘This was a man!’”.
Furthermore, the traditional image of Brutus as a cruel traitor to his close friend has also been reworked in Shakespeare's play. Although Brutus takes part in the conspiracy to murder Caesar despite his close ties to him, Brutus's actions are based on genuinely noble reasons. Brutus is the true hero of the play because, unlike the other conspirators, his motivation is based on keeping the Roman republic from coming under the rule of an emperor; furthermore, while Caesar and Antony both have virtuous qualities, their flaws are much less forgivable than that of Brutus's. Brutus’s motivation for killing Caesar is more noble than that of the other conspirators, who were driven by envy. In the beginning of the play, as Caesar rakes in adoration from the common people, Cassius reveals his jealousy over Caesar’s popularity and power: “it doth
Modern historians however provide a more balanced perspective attributing the loss of the Senates power largely to their subservience rather than the tyrannical nature of the principate. Tiberius attempted to follow the Augustan ideal of a diarchy with the Senate; and was perhaps the most successful within the Julio-Claudian dynasty. PARAGRAPH 1 If Augustus’ principate was to continue to appear legitimate, it was paramount for Tiberius to rule with full co-operation of the Senate. R. Syme maintains that he was genuine when he professed his intention to govern as a true Princeps. Tiberius needed the help of the Senate, he was 55 years of age when he came to power and his rule would involve heavy responsibilities, if not dangers.
With his brilliant oratory skills, it is no coincidence that Cicero climbed to the top of the Cursus Honorum in the years of 76-63BC despite his lack of noble support and “new man” status. His oratory along with the clever support in which he gained put Cicero in the most important job in Rome, but just how extraordinary was this great feat? From birth Cicero’s career was at a disadvantage. Born in the town of Arpinum, 70 miles South East of Rome, Cicero was not classed as being truly Roman and often was referred to as an “immlgrant”. Although it was possible to succeed if you came from a town like Arpinum, Cicero had another piece of the political jigsaw missing; he was not born into the elite social class- the nobiles.
Another key reason behind the fall of the Republic was the influx of slaves and money, which the new found conquering brought to Rome. Of equal importance was the individualism which arose in government which allowed Pompey and more like him to seek individual power rather than to work for the benefit of the Republic. A slightly indirect, but nevertheless crucial factor behind the fall of the Republic was the way in which the Roman Plebeians were not appeased to be kept docile and therefore the deep undercurrents rose to the surface and allowed tribunes and wide pleasing senators such as Flacchus and the Gracchae to rise to power with the newly emboldened working classes supporting them and through this the rise of violent politics. Three
"Why, there was a crown offered him: and being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand" (I,II). Caesar's act was served to satisfy the citizens of Rome but he knew his power and authority was limitless. Rome will always be persuaded by Caesar because Caesar has ultimate authority. Brutus is using logos to convince Rome that the death of Caesar was for their good. Brutus is using an example of anaphora to convince the people
The rhetorical devices used in Brutus’s great speech offer tricks that we find in many great political speeches. For example, “believe me for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour”. Brutus repeatedly refers to himself, wanting to persuade the crowd that because he is an honorable man, what he did was right. He also praises Caesar, which makes it okay in the eyes of the audience. We see this now when a politician will amend his opponent, even though he has devastated him just previously, this is ethos.