Review It
In this next activity you will look at Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor who followed in the footsteps of Alexander the Great to expand the Roman Empire. Much like Alexander the Great expanded the Macedon Empire beyond Greece, Julius Caesar did the same for the ancient Roman Empire a century later.
Textbook accounts of the rise and fall of Caesar often use visuals such as paintings, sculptures, photographs and maps to help us better understand the role Caesar played in the expansion of Rome and the end of the Roman Republic.
Examine the brief text passages. Consider how the images you are shown are used as evidence to support the ideas presented in the text.
The Rise and Rule of Julius Caesar
From 60 – 44 B.C.E., Julius Caesar served as a military leader and dictator of Rome. By his death at the age of 55, Caesar had expanded Roman control over much of the Mediterranean region.
What kind of image would help give you an idea of what Caesar looked like?
Caesar was born into a wealthy and powerful family. His father was a senator in the Roman government. Caesar’s father and uncle were important politicians and leaders during the civil war that occurred during Caesar’s early life. When his father died, Caesar inherited his wealth and political power.
What type of image would help you understand the role of Caesar’s family in his life?
Like Alexander the Great, Caesar was known for his military leadership. He led armies to the north into present-day France and England, and throughout much of the rest of Europe. His defeated enemies had to hand over control of their land to the Roman empire after their surrender.
What type of image would support this information?
As Caesar’s armies conquered enemies throughout Europe, the government wanted to both celebrate their victories and show the citizens the might of the Roman empire.
What type of item or image might the government use to celebrate their victory and remind the Roman people of the strength of their empire?
As you view images in the next activity, think about examples of images that could support the information you are shown.
