Ides of March

When Caesar returns to Rome after three years fighting a civil war against Pompey, the city is in dire straits. Caesar is made dictator for 10 years, and sets about implementing a program of reforms. He fixes Rome’s grain supply; he repairs Rome’s crumbling infrastructure, and has the Senate rebuilt. He also amends the Roman calendar – giving us the same calendar we use today.

Caesar has been made Dictator for Ten Years. Those Senators who want to further their careers need to win favor. When a group of Senators approach Caesar to offer him yet more honors, he doesn’t behave as he should. Senators should stand to greet each other, as a show of mutual respect – but Caesar remains seated. It is symbolic of his increasing disregard for the conventions of Roman Republic.

As Caesar steadily draws ever more power to himself, his position utterly undermines the founding principle of the Roman Republic - that power must be shared. As he makes plans to leave Rome and conquer Parthia, he resolves to tighten his hold on power absolutely – and is declared "dictator for life." It is the point of no return. And it seals his fate.

As Caesar takes control of Rome and consolidates his grip over the Republic, his ambition turns to tyranny. A handful of senators plot to end his rule in the only way they can: by taking his life. But will it be enough to save the Republic?