Julius Caesar Scavenger Hunt
What is the historical context of Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Julius Caesar?
Hark, gentle students, to the Roman history behind Shakespeare’s play,
Julius Caesar. Didst thou know that the plot was inspired by ancient
biographies and histories? Prithee, complete this scavenger hunt to
uncover the history behind one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays.
1. Using Grolier Online, find the Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia article “Caesar, Gaius
Julius”. When was Caesar born? Name three of his accomplishments as a (1) general, (2)
statesman, and (3) man of letters.
(Remote access to Grolier: http://portal.cherokee.k12.ga.us/departments/technology/online/default.aspx)
2. Caesar’s family was ancient and patrician. If Caesar had been born a plebeian, how
would his life have been different? Do you think Roman history would have been the
same?
3. Shakespeare’s primary source for Julius Caesar was a translation of a Roman historian’s
work. Who is the historian and what is the title of his work?
4. Kidnapped by Cilician pirates in 75 B.C. and held for ransom, what unusual request did
Caesar make upon his captors?
5. Refer to the timeline. In 60 B.C., Caesar joined with Pompey and Crassus in a coalition
that challenged the power of the Senate. Caesar’s enemies referred to this coalition as the
“three-headed monster”. Modern historians refer to the three man coalition by this term:
_______________________________________.
6. “Alea iacta est (the die is cast)” is a popular phrase attributed to Julius Caesar. Who
actually wrote these lines?
7. In 47 B. C., Julius Caesar uttered the famous line “Veni, vidi, vici” (I came, I saw, I
conquered),”. What had he conquered?
8. Roman religion emphasized ritual (ceremonial acts) over beliefs. Read about the ritual
Feast of the Lupercal in the Gale Discovering Collection article “The Historical Context of
Julius Caesar”. Refer to your flyer for the password. Can you think of any examples of
rituals in modern society?
9. A soothsayer (astrologer) named Spurinna warned Caesar of danger on a date no later
than the Ides of March. Beware the Ides of March is a well-known warning. What are the
Ides anyway?
10. Return to the Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia article “Caesar, Gaius Julius”. Why did a
group of 60 senators conspire to assassinate Caesar? Do you believe the Roman senators
were justified in their actions? (Remote access to Grolier:
http://portal.cherokee.k12.ga.us/departments/technology/online/default.aspx)
Putting It All Together: In Shakespeare and In History
Anon, good class, on the morrow, thou wilst begin reading the play.
Together we will complete the chart that compares and contrasts historical
events in Shakespeare and in history.