1. The First Triumvirate (60 - 49 B.C.): a consortium of clientelae, but not one that could endure for long. By 52 it was clear that there was going to be an open conflict between Caesar and the Optimates. Pompey, fearing the growing power of Caesar and desiring glory that only the nobility can confer, sides with the Optimates.
2. The reality of the civil war that follows is not that it is a struggle between the republic and a would-be monarch (Caesar), but, rather, it is a struggle between two types of one-man-rule. The republic is finished: The choice is between a Principate system (Pompey) or Monarchy (Caesar). Open conflict might have been avoided or indefinitely postponed, but for the die-hard reactionaries who wanted to force the issue.
3. The Issues:
1. Caesar claims to be defending his dignitas and the rights of the tribunes; to be liberating the state from a faction.
2. Pompey and the Senate claim that Caear is a renegade traitor who has attacked the state.
3. Pompey sought the recognition of his peers; Caesar did not care. That is what made him so frightening to the elite.
4. On the chronology, see table at end
5. Caesar's position in 46 --formally
1. Religious authority: pontifex maximus; deo invicto = "to the invincible god".
2. Becomes dictator for life, his powers are superior to those of all other magistrates and assemblies. His edicts have power of laws. He handles the affairs of and acts in the name of the senate.
3. sacrosanctitas
4. In 46, he receives a praefectura morum, complete censorial powers.
6. His position informally:
1. He exercised his powers as the head of a personal army.
2. Head of a party, of a body of clients, who see their personal power, wealth, ambitions to depend upon the continuity of Caesar's rule..
7. Reform and Reconstruction
1. Introduction: The problem--Caesar stands unchallenged at the head of government and state. Reform of state and of constitution is necessary. What course could he, should he follow?
2. Administrative reforms relevant to Rome and to Italy
1. Most enduring was calendar reform
2. Suppression of collegia which had contributed to urban warfare
3. Planned to codify Roman law
4. Reduced list of those on dole from 320,000 to 150,000 (those cut off to be sent to colonies overseas)
5. New forum and basilica for public business
6. Funds for upkeep of roads and regulation of traffic (wheeled vehicles forbidden during the day)
7. Standardization of municipal administration through-out Italy
3. For Provinces
1. Concern for well being of provincials already clear in his extortion law of 59
2. Fixes the tribute of provinces and establishes an assessment formula for determining tax (i.e., the opportunity for extortion reduced)
3. Steps to unify Italy and provinces: Settled Romans overseas and extended citizenship to provincials
4. Policy and Administration
1. His expenditures were on a lavish scale: public buildings, settlements and veteran's bonuses were expensive..
2. Caesar primarily admitted the responsible of Italy along with some Gauls to the Senate. Tota Italia being realized!
3. The Senate (rather the remains of the optimates) could also be controlled because Caesar had assumed into his own hands the traditional functions of the senate, namely, he controlled finance, foreign policy and provincial commands.
8. The Plot Against Caesar
1. There was genuine concern about his power and position, many who felt that the traditional republic was being undermined. This attitude was shared not only by Cicero, but also by some of his [Caesar's] long time supporters.
2. Personal feuds among his party members; some felt that they had not been adequately rewarded.
3. The implications of clementia, a royal virtue.
4. The example of tyrannicide; it was praised in Greek and Roman literature and may well have provided the model for action.
9. Assessment

Caesar's movements:

Monuments: The center of Rome
--Caesar: the basilica Julia; overview; reconstruction thereof; the forum Julii; Caesar the dictator; as pontifex maximus;

--Brutus: propaganda after the ides of March; as imperator;   portrait as philosopher; traditional