Julius Caesar
One of most popular and influential figures of ancient Rome, Gaius Julius Caesar, reigned over the Roman Empire from 46 BCE until his death in 44 BCE. Caesar's political ambitions were strong. By the age of 31, he had gained enough experience in the fields of war and politics to become a Daniel to the Roman Empire.
He used his wisdom and experience to reform the empire. He built the Forum Iulium, enlarged the senate, and relieved debts. He revised the Roman calendar and changed the way the local government functioned. During that period, the role of dictatorship was considered as a temporary position for a man. However, Caesar changed the political system and decided to become the dictator of Rome for life. This desire to become a permanent ruler eventually became Caesar's Pandora's box.
Although the lower and middle classes greatly appreciated the changes implemented by Caesar, certain people had conflicting opinions. Gaius Cassius Longinus and Marcus Junius Brutus, political members of Caesar's government, became envious of Caesar's power. They devised a plan to assassinate Caesar. Hence, in March of 44 BCE, they killed Caesar to ensure the end of his reign. While some believed Longinus and Brutus played the role of Iago, others supported their decision. This led to a civil war that led to the fall of the Roman Republic.
Nevertheless, Julius Caesar's brief rule over Rome changed the empire for good. His decision to rebuild the cities of Carthage and Corinth provided places for people to live. People viewed his decision to let his enemies join his government as a highly noble act. Despite his unfortunate and untimely death, he changed the way the world viewed Rome. His methods also highly influenced his successor, Octavian Caesar.





Why does the author compare Gaius Cassius Longinus and Marcus Junius Brutus to Iago? A. to show that Longinus and Brutus had always been jealous of Caesar's strength B. to show that Longinus and Brutus betrayed Caesar the way Iago betrayed Othello C. to show that Longinus and Brutus wished to become dictators of the Roman Empire D. to show that Longinus and Brutus were as close to Caesar as Iago was to Othello