CLA231H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 16: Sestertius, New Forum, Laurel Wreath
Document Summary
The political situation in rome during the civil war (49-46 bce) With the civil war in 49, the normal political process was disrupted: street gangs were organized by leading politicians, pompey was the sole consul twice in the 50s. Many senators went to greece with pompey. A few remaining senators in rome followed caesar in his war. Caesar in late 49 declared himself dictator for emergency measures and then declared himself consul. In 48, after defeating pompey, caesar again declared himself dictator for emergency measures. After defeating cato the younger, he declared his dictatorship for 10 years and declared himself consul each year. Caesar was a skilled military leader, as evidenced by his gallic campaigns. During a civil war in egypt, being in danger of capture he swam 200 yards, carrying documents in one hand and his leader"s cloak in his teeth. He mocked pompey after taking pontus because they were so weak.
