Caesar Simulation

The Roman Republic is in a crisis.  From the tribuneship of Tiberius Gracchus to the dictatorship of Sulla until now, there has been one political upheaval after another.  The government is unstable and unable to maintain order in the city.  What shall we do to save Rome?

1. Choose one of the leaders from this historic time.

2. Read Plutarch's Life to understand his character and motivations.

3. Prepare a 5-minute speech, in which you present your person's ideas for solutions to Rome's political, social, and moral crises.

Caesar

Julius Caesar has ability and ambition and the will to rule Rome single-handedly.  He wants the Senate to make him sole dictator and crown him king of Rome.

Cato

Cato is the great defender of the Republic and the liberty it provides.  He will be the last to be conquered by Caesar, both ideologically and militarily.

Pompey

Pompey is Rome's greatest general.  He has already been given dictatorial power in order to restore order, and returned the power to the senate afterward.

Cicero

Cicero is Rome's greatest philosopher and one of it's greatest orators.  He survived periods of tyranny by his caution and circumspection.

Crassus

Crassus has great political power because of his riches, which he has sometimes acquired by corrupt means.  He is jealous of the fame of Caesar and Pompey.

Brutus

Brutus is a friend of Caesar, but carries the same hatred of kings as his namesake, who overthrew King Tarquin and the Roman Monarchy centuries before.

Antony

Antony is ambitious and talented, but morally corrupt.  He spends at least as much time planning feasts as he does planning politics.