A History of Julius Caesar

This section is divided into two parts: Elizabethan history, and the history of the Roman Republic. Both are important in understanding the setting of Julius Caesar and any influences in the writing of the play. The timing of the writing of the play is critical in the impact and meaning of the play during the Elizabethan era and the reason why Shakespeare chose that moment to write it. On the other hand, the period that the play is set is necessary to understand the culture and political setup of the setting, particularly specific events and causes of the conflict in the play.

These two sections outline the political, social, and cultural context of both the Elizabethan and Roman eras in order to elucidate the world of the play for the actors and provide additional insight to the director and designers. To access each individual document, click on the image beside the title and it will open the full document on a new page.

Elizabethan England

Short History of William Shakespeare and Julius Caesar

William Shakespeare

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Shakespeare's characters and plays are both of his time and for all time. Shakespeare's upbringing in the middle-class, his education, and his rising career give us insight into his writing.

British Politics in the Late 15th to Early 16th Century

Elizabethan Politics

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Understanding the context in which Julius Caesar was written is crucial in understanding Shakespeare's motives for the play. The political tensions in Great Britain run parallel to the issues in Rome prior to the assassination of Caesar, and so, by studying the unrest in Rome, Shakespeare hoped to provide a commentary on the situation in England.

The Late Roman Republic

Roman Military

The Military Under Caesar

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The military of Julius Caesar emerged from a series of civil wars in the decades previously. The Cesarian Civil War with Pompey and Caesar's eventual victory led to an overhaul of the Roman military and a distinct difference from previous periods. Julius Caesar's army setup contributed to both his success on the battlefield and the anger of governmental authorities.

Republic Political Structure

The Roman Republic Government

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The Roman Republic's unique mixture of democratic, monarchical, and oligarchical systems led to a complex method of governance that, although inefficient, proved to be successful for over 450 years. However, its inefficiency played a hand in its downfall, and anger over the inequality of power was fatal to the Republic.

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