Julius Caesar Dbq

Death of the Republic 91202

James Morrissey

Power in a name

Julius Caesar was popular among the citizens of Rome. Caesar had gained this popularity due to his successes in war for Rome and the laws he created for the wellbeing of Rome. The reason Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC was due to declaring himself dictator for life of Rome. This is because the term dictator was considered a toxic word in Roman politics as almost all previous dictators had been tyrants in Roman history. The senators who assassinated Caesar believed that they would be celebrated for killing Caesar . Due to Caesar’s popularity, when Octavian was named Caesar’s heir in Caesar’s will he changed his name to Octavian Caesar. Because of this Octavian gained public favour

Imperium is the right to give commands and compel obedience . Octavian had inherited an army loyal to him from Caesar, however due to his lack of imperium he did not possess the right to lead them . The senate attempted to set Octavian against Antony. Antony had not ‘inherited Caesar’s property’ which gave Antony reason to oppose Octavian. The senate sent Octavian and his army alongside two consuls to attack Antony who was blockading the city of Mutina. After Octavian and his men beat Antony he returned home to Rome the senate refused to pay Octavian’s legions after they had won the battle for Rome. This lead to Octavian marching on Rome with his men demanding both consulship for himself and for his men to be paid. Octavian’s new title as a consul gave him the imperium he wanted to be able to lead his army. While Antony and Octavian were on opposing sides, the battle of Mutina did lead to their eventual alliance in the Second Triumvirate. This three man government of Antony, Octavian and Lepidus gave both Antony and Octavian the power they

Therefore Octavian held complete control over Rome. Octavian changed his name to ‘Imperator Caesar Divi Filius Augustus’ , however he would mostly be known simply as Augustus. Augustus is a Latin term that means ‘majestic’ or the ‘the illustrious one’ . Augustus’ name was both his title and his name. This helped create authority for himself by calling himself ‘majestic’ as this is a similar title to being named the king of Rome. Augustus took this name and title because it basically meant he had control over everything in Rome. Through these titles Augustus was even more powerful than before, yet before he was already the most powerful man in Rome. Augustus was also named Pater Patriae. This is the highest title in Rome. It translates from Latin to mean ‘Father of the Country’