Political Leadership of Julius Caesar
Title: “Julius Caesar’s Rule as Dictator”
By 44 B.C.E. the power held by the aristocracy of the Roman Republic was threatened by the rule of
one man: Julius Caesar. In 45 B.C.E., the Senate made Caesar
dictator for a 10-year period and he instantly became the most
powerful figure in the Republic. Caesar became king in all but name.
He had his name stamped on coins, had his statue put in the temple
and wore royal purple. He took power from the Senate and made the
magistrates (civil officers and judges) his appointees. But, he did not
punish his enemies in the government by sending them from Rome as
most earlier leaders had done.
As dictator, Julius Caesar introduced many economic and social
reforms. He gave work to thousands of Romans by starting projects to
make new roads and public buildings. To keep the poor happy, he
staged gladiator contests they could watch for free. He halted the extensive use of slavery in rural
areas and provided jobs for poor people by passing a measure requiring that a third of the ranch
laborers be Roman citizens. By limiting the number of slaves estates could employ, poor free people
were able to find more work. He also established Roman colonies by giving land to landless peasants
and soldiers who had fought with him.
In the provinces (land conquered by Rome) he appointed new governors and made them strictly
accountable so they would no longer plunder the people of all their wealth. He reduced taxes and
made tax collections more fair. He allowed the people in Sicily, Spain and Gaul to become Roman
citizens. All citizens were subject to Roman law, owed their allegiance (loyalty) to the emperor, and
could participate in the central government of Rome or in their local governments (Frey 17).
Caesar's Death:
Caesar did not remain in power long enough to complete his reforms. The aristocrats of Rome and
many Senators feared that if Caesar's power continued, the republican government would never be
restored and Caesar would hand down his leadership to an heir. Thus, Sixty Senators plotted to kill
him. He was warned of the conspiracy, but Caesar chose to ignore it. On March 15, 44 B.C.E., the
assassins struck. As an unarmed Caesar entered the Senate building, a group of senators attacked him
with daggers, stabbing him 23 times.
Political Leadership of Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar Research Questions
1. What title and powers did the Roman Senate award Julius Caesar in 45 B.C.E.?
2. List the popular steps and reforms taken by Julius Caesar to improve Rome. Why
did these steps make Julius Caesar popular among the Roman citizens?
3. Identify the unpopular steps taken by Julius Caesar that made aristocrats and
Senators fear Caesar’s power.