1 00:00:21,521 --> 00:00:23,732 Do not talk about what you're about to see. 2 00:00:24,733 --> 00:00:25,734 Understand? 3 00:00:27,527 --> 00:00:28,361 Yes. May I? 4 00:01:04,439 --> 00:01:05,899 Just do what you need to do. 5 00:01:14,991 --> 00:01:16,493 Was this the first time? 6 00:01:19,621 --> 00:01:20,455 No. 7 00:01:23,416 --> 00:01:24,751 I've been having them for years. 8 00:01:27,128 --> 00:01:29,089 Though they are becoming more frequent. 9 00:01:30,048 --> 00:01:31,382 How have you been sleeping? 10 00:01:31,800 --> 00:01:32,634 Fine. 11 00:01:34,469 --> 00:01:36,054 Though I have been having headaches. 12 00:01:39,474 --> 00:01:40,308 I see. 13 00:01:44,354 --> 00:01:46,231 Drink tea with fennel and juniper. 14 00:01:46,564 --> 00:01:47,774 It will help the headaches. 15 00:01:49,776 --> 00:01:51,069 And what about the fits? 16 00:01:52,737 --> 00:01:54,948 Hopefully they will lessen over time. 17 00:01:55,115 --> 00:01:55,949 Hopefully? 18 00:01:57,700 --> 00:02:00,370 I'm afraid there's not much I can do. 19 00:02:02,539 --> 00:02:03,957 This illness... 20 00:02:06,042 --> 00:02:07,335 is of the gods. 21 00:02:20,306 --> 00:02:21,933 [Brutus] And this just started now? He's been having them for years. 22 00:02:25,270 --> 00:02:26,813 -You knew? -No. 23 00:02:29,274 --> 00:02:30,233 Will this kill him? 24 00:02:32,819 --> 00:02:33,653 I don't know... 25 00:02:34,112 --> 00:02:35,029 no one does. 26 00:02:37,448 --> 00:02:39,117 I suppose it doesn't matter. 27 00:02:40,285 --> 00:02:41,286 Either way... 28 00:02:42,036 --> 00:02:42,912 he's finished. 29 00:02:45,582 --> 00:02:46,416 How's that? 30 00:02:48,751 --> 00:02:50,336 The Senate will tear him apart. 31 00:02:51,546 --> 00:02:52,797 How will they know? 32 00:02:56,009 --> 00:02:57,594 You're not going to tell them. 33 00:02:59,679 --> 00:03:00,555 Why wouldn't I? 34 00:03:01,973 --> 00:03:04,976 Because right now he's vulnerable. 35 00:03:07,478 --> 00:03:10,732 You should be looking for ways to take advantage. 36 00:04:51,958 --> 00:04:55,503 [narrator] Julius Caesar has appointed himself dictator of Rome, 37 00:04:56,170 --> 00:04:59,590 giving him authority to pass any law he sees fit. 38 00:05:06,180 --> 00:05:09,142 But in the midst of achieving this unprecedented power, 39 00:05:10,560 --> 00:05:14,314 he faces a mysterious illness that has no apparent cure. 40 00:05:16,816 --> 00:05:19,235 [Toner] The ancient sources described him as having 41 00:05:19,319 --> 00:05:23,531 a kind of falling sickness, what we might describe as epilepsy. 42 00:05:24,574 --> 00:05:28,745 All of which, I suspect, showed the kind of ongoing stresses 43 00:05:28,828 --> 00:05:31,164 involved in the job that he was doing. 44 00:05:36,544 --> 00:05:38,504 [narrator] Despite his health problems, 45 00:05:39,589 --> 00:05:43,343 Caesar focuses on making a stronger, more unified Rome. 46 00:05:47,347 --> 00:05:49,098 Since returning from Egypt, 47 00:05:49,932 --> 00:05:52,226 he's fed a starving population 48 00:05:53,311 --> 00:05:55,438 and restored order to the Senate. 49 00:06:00,068 --> 00:06:02,612 Now, with the city under control, 50 00:06:03,863 --> 00:06:08,242 Caesar wants to fix a Republic that he believes is broken. 51 00:06:23,716 --> 00:06:24,675 For decades, 52 00:06:25,551 --> 00:06:30,306 Caesar has watched an inefficient Senate grow increasingly powerful. 53 00:06:32,058 --> 00:06:34,852 But he knows the future of Rome's success 54 00:06:35,853 --> 00:06:37,397 lies with the people. 55 00:06:40,191 --> 00:06:44,529 A consistent problem in the Roman state had been the issue of the Roman economy. 56 00:06:45,613 --> 00:06:50,952 You had a number of poor Romans who filled the city of Rome looking for work, 57 00:06:51,786 --> 00:06:53,037 and being unable to find jobs. 58 00:06:53,663 --> 00:06:55,415 So Caesar sought to reform this. 59 00:06:58,709 --> 00:07:01,212 [narrator] To get the Roman citizens back to work, 60 00:07:02,338 --> 00:07:04,882 Caesar begins a massive construction program. 61 00:07:09,470 --> 00:07:10,680 Building temples, 62 00:07:11,305 --> 00:07:12,140 libraries, 63 00:07:13,141 --> 00:07:14,308 and a new harbor, 64 00:07:15,393 --> 00:07:17,562 providing jobs for thousands of Romans. 65 00:07:21,649 --> 00:07:23,901 [Strauss] Caesar was a paradox as a politician. 66 00:07:23,985 --> 00:07:25,820 On the one hand, his priority was always Caesar. 67 00:07:26,362 --> 00:07:27,864 He wanted to advance himself. 68 00:07:28,823 --> 00:07:29,949 But on the other hand, 69 00:07:31,492 --> 00:07:35,413 instead of always supporting the side of wealth and power, 70 00:07:36,706 --> 00:07:40,626 he would try to extend more benefits to ordinary people. 71 00:07:47,675 --> 00:07:50,470 [narrator] While his construction projects help the people, 72 00:07:51,929 --> 00:07:54,932 his most innovative and long-lasting reform 73 00:07:55,808 --> 00:07:58,186 is the introduction of a new calendar. 74 00:08:00,938 --> 00:08:02,356 [Irvin] When Caesar returns to Rome, 75 00:08:02,440 --> 00:08:05,735 he finds that the calendar is off by at least 40 days. 76 00:08:07,653 --> 00:08:10,364 The Roman government had become so corrupt, 77 00:08:10,448 --> 00:08:13,743 so inept, that they had literally lost track 78 00:08:13,826 --> 00:08:15,912 of the days, the months, the seasons. 79 00:08:18,122 --> 00:08:21,709 [narrator] Caesar bases the new calendar on a solar year, putting the entire Republic on a universal timetable, 80 00:08:27,340 --> 00:08:29,133 one that is still used today. 81 00:08:34,305 --> 00:08:37,099 While Caesar's reforms are popular with the people, 82 00:08:38,392 --> 00:08:39,810 he's acting on his own. 83 00:08:40,895 --> 00:08:42,939 Without the support of the Senate. 84 00:08:45,816 --> 00:08:46,984 Over the past hundred years, 85 00:08:48,945 --> 00:08:52,156 Rome has experienced a time of unprecedented growth. 86 00:08:53,199 --> 00:08:55,368 We've expanded our borders north into Gaul, 87 00:08:55,785 --> 00:08:58,579 east into Macedonia, and west into Hispania. 88 00:09:00,540 --> 00:09:01,749 Growth is good. 89 00:09:02,291 --> 00:09:03,709 It fuels the economy. 90 00:09:04,502 --> 00:09:05,753 It makes us stronger, 91 00:09:06,587 --> 00:09:07,713 more powerful. 92 00:09:11,801 --> 00:09:14,971 But in order to preserve that power, we must consolidate it. 93 00:09:16,639 --> 00:09:17,473 Beginning... 94 00:09:18,724 --> 00:09:20,518 by granting full citizenship 95 00:09:21,269 --> 00:09:23,813 to those living in the conquered provinces of Gaul. 96 00:09:26,524 --> 00:09:27,692 If we neglect them 97 00:09:28,651 --> 00:09:31,153 and continue to treat them as prisoners of war, 98 00:09:31,237 --> 00:09:33,322 there will be another rebellion. 99 00:09:34,282 --> 00:09:36,450 If we acknowledge the Gauls as Roman citizens, 100 00:09:36,534 --> 00:09:39,912 they will behave as Roman citizens. 101 00:09:41,414 --> 00:09:42,999 This is the cost 102 00:09:43,583 --> 00:09:45,293 of maintaining the peace. 103 00:09:47,295 --> 00:09:48,921 There will be no debate. 104 00:09:50,756 --> 00:09:52,049 This legislation 105 00:09:53,384 --> 00:09:54,969 takes effect immediately. 106 00:10:03,853 --> 00:10:07,398 [Strauss] Caesar wants to acquire all the power that he can, 107 00:10:08,816 --> 00:10:10,568 but he's also trying to create 108 00:10:10,651 --> 00:10:14,405 a bigger, more impressive system of Roman government 109 00:10:14,655 --> 00:10:20,578 that is fit for purpose when it comes to ruling what is now a global empire 110 00:10:20,661 --> 00:10:23,247 stretching across the whole Mediterranean world. 111 00:10:25,916 --> 00:10:29,920 And now Caesar can push through his own legislative agenda, 112 00:10:30,129 --> 00:10:31,422 do whatever he wants, 113 00:10:31,505 --> 00:10:34,592 without having to worry about getting the Senate's support. 114 00:10:42,183 --> 00:10:44,185 He's stripped us of all authority. 115 00:10:44,644 --> 00:10:46,771 We have no power whatsoever. 116 00:10:46,854 --> 00:10:48,564 It's only temporary. 117 00:10:49,815 --> 00:10:50,858 I wouldn't be so sure. 118 00:10:52,276 --> 00:10:55,655 As soon as he's accomplished his political goals, he will step down. 119 00:10:55,905 --> 00:11:00,117 Once you have power, it's very hard to let it go. 120 00:11:04,955 --> 00:11:08,000 [narrator] While Brutus disagrees with Caesar's methods, 121 00:11:08,751 --> 00:11:10,461 he works closely with him, 122 00:11:11,462 --> 00:11:13,589 helping Caesar write legislation. 123 00:11:15,841 --> 00:11:19,887 And Caesar begins considering Brutus as a possible heir. 124 00:11:21,305 --> 00:11:23,057 Caesar was concerned with his legacy, 125 00:11:23,599 --> 00:11:26,435 because he did not have a male son of his own. 126 00:11:26,686 --> 00:11:30,272 He was just taking thought for the future success of his name. 127 00:11:30,815 --> 00:11:32,066 We need a census. 128 00:11:32,358 --> 00:11:35,611 -A proper census of the city. -We've had surveys done in the past. 129 00:11:35,695 --> 00:11:37,071 But they weren't done properly. 130 00:11:37,863 --> 00:11:41,617 Brutus had long been considered by Caesar something of a surrogate son. 131 00:11:42,451 --> 00:11:46,539 He wanted Brutus to recognize that there was something 132 00:11:46,622 --> 00:11:49,041 maybe greater that they could do together. 133 00:11:49,959 --> 00:11:53,421 [narrator] For Brutus, everything is about to change, 134 00:11:53,879 --> 00:11:56,340 with the arrival of a foreign ally 135 00:11:56,882 --> 00:11:59,301 with news that will shock the Republic. 136 00:12:13,023 --> 00:12:16,402 [Ruggeri] Cleopatra, within a year of after Caesar leaves Egypt, 137 00:12:16,652 --> 00:12:17,820 follows him to Rome. 138 00:12:18,779 --> 00:12:22,908 Most Romans knew Caesar's reputation as a bit of a playboy. 139 00:12:23,159 --> 00:12:28,247 Most Romans also understood that commanders and leaders abroad 140 00:12:28,456 --> 00:12:29,957 tended to have flings. 141 00:12:35,463 --> 00:12:37,089 What was unusual 142 00:12:37,173 --> 00:12:39,425 was that person going to Rome, 143 00:12:41,260 --> 00:12:45,264 particularly if they had the reputation of somebody like Cleopatra. 144 00:13:04,158 --> 00:13:06,702 This was not only a foreigner but a queen in her own right. 145 00:13:26,430 --> 00:13:30,684 She was so far outside the mold of how Romans saw their women, 146 00:13:30,976 --> 00:13:33,145 it must have been a bit of a shock to them. 147 00:13:40,778 --> 00:13:41,612 So... 148 00:13:42,655 --> 00:13:43,823 how was your journey? 149 00:13:44,990 --> 00:13:45,825 Long. 150 00:13:46,784 --> 00:13:48,160 But I hope worthwhile. 151 00:14:00,798 --> 00:14:01,841 What is this? 152 00:14:07,930 --> 00:14:09,473 His name is Cesarion. 153 00:14:11,183 --> 00:14:12,184 Your son. 154 00:14:19,108 --> 00:14:24,071 One of the most shocking features of Caesar's return for Rome 155 00:14:24,154 --> 00:14:26,699 was the arrival in Rome of Cleopatra... 156 00:14:27,825 --> 00:14:28,784 with a son. 157 00:14:30,202 --> 00:14:33,289 For the de facto head of the Roman state 158 00:14:33,372 --> 00:14:36,041 to have a romantic relationship and then a child 159 00:14:36,125 --> 00:14:40,004 with the queen of an autonomous Mediterranean power, 160 00:14:40,504 --> 00:14:44,049 that sent shockwaves reverberating around the world. 161 00:14:47,344 --> 00:14:49,638 She has him wrapped around her finger. 162 00:14:49,722 --> 00:14:53,058 -He barely said a word. -He didn't have to. It was obvious. 163 00:14:53,601 --> 00:14:56,979 -We don't know if it's even his child. -You think that makes any difference? 164 00:14:57,980 --> 00:14:59,273 Now he has a son. 165 00:14:59,356 --> 00:15:01,984 -To the Queen of Egypt. -It doesn't change anything. 166 00:15:02,693 --> 00:15:05,070 -It changes everything. -For Rome or for you? 167 00:15:07,031 --> 00:15:07,865 Excuse me? 168 00:15:09,700 --> 00:15:12,077 -I just meant-- -This isn't about me. 169 00:15:13,162 --> 00:15:13,996 Or Rome. 170 00:15:15,205 --> 00:15:16,624 This is about you. 171 00:15:17,958 --> 00:15:19,793 Whether or not you realize it, 172 00:15:20,711 --> 00:15:22,129 you've just been replaced. 173 00:15:24,340 --> 00:15:28,594 As long as Cleopatra's in power and their son is alive, 174 00:15:29,219 --> 00:15:30,346 you don't matter. 175 00:15:31,347 --> 00:15:33,390 Let's not overreact. 176 00:15:34,558 --> 00:15:37,645 Whatever position of power you think you've secured for yourself, 177 00:15:38,020 --> 00:15:39,063 it's temporary. 178 00:15:40,397 --> 00:15:41,690 So what do you want me to do? 179 00:15:45,069 --> 00:15:47,655 Make friends with the Senate, you'll need them. 180 00:15:50,783 --> 00:15:51,742 Is that all? 181 00:15:53,202 --> 00:15:54,078 For now. 182 00:15:55,996 --> 00:15:57,498 And keep your eyes open. 183 00:15:58,540 --> 00:16:02,753 People in your position of power don't last very long. 184 00:16:05,673 --> 00:16:09,760 It's hard to imagine that Servilia didn't see Cleopatra as a rival, 185 00:16:09,927 --> 00:16:12,429 especially when Cleopatra came to Rome. 186 00:16:13,263 --> 00:16:15,891 Servilia's chief loyalty was to her son, Brutus. 187 00:16:15,975 --> 00:16:17,643 After all, he was her son 188 00:16:17,768 --> 00:16:20,312 and he did represent the future of her house 189 00:16:20,437 --> 00:16:22,106 in a way that Caesar never could. 190 00:16:41,709 --> 00:16:42,751 He has your eyes. 191 00:16:48,882 --> 00:16:50,426 One day, he'll be the King of Egypt. 192 00:16:51,635 --> 00:16:52,761 And maybe Rome. 193 00:16:54,805 --> 00:16:56,598 Rome won't accept a king. 194 00:16:57,933 --> 00:16:58,892 It did once. 195 00:17:01,061 --> 00:17:02,396 That was a long time ago. 196 00:17:06,567 --> 00:17:07,651 Then it could again. 197 00:17:13,198 --> 00:17:16,368 [Strauss] I think that Cleopatra plants the seed of monarchy 198 00:17:16,827 --> 00:17:18,787 and all it can be in Caesar's head. 199 00:17:19,371 --> 00:17:23,083 Does Caesar come away from Cleopatra thinking, "I want to be a king"? 200 00:17:23,375 --> 00:17:25,919 Perhaps not quite in such bald terms, 201 00:17:26,336 --> 00:17:30,340 but I think he comes away convinced that there's really no future for Rome 202 00:17:30,424 --> 00:17:34,178 without him being the man who runs it in one form or another. 203 00:18:02,122 --> 00:18:03,957 [narrator] By 45 B.C., 204 00:18:04,583 --> 00:18:09,088 Julius Caesar has conquered over 200,000 miles of territory, 205 00:18:10,089 --> 00:18:12,132 pulled Rome out of chaos, 206 00:18:13,842 --> 00:18:17,971 and named himself dictator for the next ten years. 207 00:18:19,181 --> 00:18:20,849 But with the arrival of a son, 208 00:18:21,642 --> 00:18:24,144 Caesar begins thinking about a dynasty. 209 00:18:26,897 --> 00:18:29,066 [Strauss] The conclusion that Caesar reached is that Roman politics should be dominated 210 00:18:31,401 --> 00:18:33,362 by just one family, 211 00:18:33,946 --> 00:18:35,405 by his family. 212 00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:40,953 He's feeling his way toward some kind of monarchy. 213 00:18:43,122 --> 00:18:44,748 [narrator] To secure his legacy, 214 00:18:45,332 --> 00:18:49,044 Caesar begins a citywide project celebrating his image 215 00:18:49,795 --> 00:18:53,382 which he puts on display alongside Roman gods. 216 00:18:54,842 --> 00:18:57,094 Ivory towers are built in his honor, 217 00:18:57,719 --> 00:19:01,765 including the Basilica Julia, which still exists today. 218 00:19:02,850 --> 00:19:04,852 [Strauss] Caesar was an arrogant man. 219 00:19:05,060 --> 00:19:06,895 He had broken all the rules, 220 00:19:06,979 --> 00:19:10,983 so he felt that he was entitled to make all the rules. 221 00:19:11,650 --> 00:19:15,237 It's hard to avoid the conclusion that power had gone to his head. 222 00:19:16,655 --> 00:19:19,324 [narrator] His birthday is declared a public holiday, 223 00:19:19,908 --> 00:19:22,286 and he begins wearing a purple robe, 224 00:19:22,870 --> 00:19:25,622 a garment once reserved for Roman kings. 225 00:19:27,708 --> 00:19:30,961 I think everyone saw some form of autocracy, 226 00:19:31,503 --> 00:19:35,007 but how severe it would be was anyone's guess. 227 00:19:36,049 --> 00:19:39,011 Whether Caesar viewed himself as a king or something else, 228 00:19:39,094 --> 00:19:41,680 I think he really did want to be a god. 229 00:19:43,307 --> 00:19:46,059 [narrator] Caesar believes leading Rome is his destiny, 230 00:19:47,186 --> 00:19:49,396 so he looks to solidify his power. 231 00:19:50,189 --> 00:19:51,231 Permanently. 232 00:20:40,322 --> 00:20:43,617 Julius Caesar has faithfully served the Republic of Rome. 233 00:20:44,618 --> 00:20:48,705 Through his dedication and sacrifice, he has ushered in an unprecedented era 234 00:20:48,789 --> 00:20:50,749 of peace and prosperity. 235 00:20:52,167 --> 00:20:54,002 He's conquered foreign enemies, 236 00:20:55,087 --> 00:20:56,421 expanded our borders 237 00:20:57,214 --> 00:21:00,801 and eased the burden of our less fortunate citizens. 238 00:21:02,719 --> 00:21:06,014 His astounding achievements deserve honors of equal merit. 239 00:21:09,309 --> 00:21:12,813 It is with that in mind, that I hereby name Julius Caesar 240 00:21:15,232 --> 00:21:16,984 Dictator in perpetuity. 241 00:21:19,069 --> 00:21:19,987 On me! 242 00:21:25,367 --> 00:21:26,368 Cover it up! 243 00:21:31,415 --> 00:21:33,500 Julia... has passed. 244 00:21:52,894 --> 00:21:53,729 Stay back. 245 00:22:35,729 --> 00:22:39,232 The man has himself proclaimed as dictator for life 246 00:22:39,608 --> 00:22:41,860 and then collapses in a convulsive fit. 247 00:22:43,695 --> 00:22:44,946 I don't know where to begin. 248 00:22:45,238 --> 00:22:47,866 He's going to step down. Isn't that what you told us? 249 00:22:48,492 --> 00:22:49,868 I can't see that happening. 250 00:22:50,452 --> 00:22:52,662 -Did you know he was sick? -Of course not. 251 00:22:55,582 --> 00:22:56,541 I think you did. 252 00:22:56,875 --> 00:22:59,211 Perhaps that's how you finagled your position? 253 00:22:59,294 --> 00:23:00,420 I earned my place. 254 00:23:00,504 --> 00:23:02,923 What else aren't you telling us? 255 00:23:06,551 --> 00:23:09,346 Are you questioning my loyalty to the Republic? 256 00:23:12,015 --> 00:23:14,393 Don't ever question my loyalty. 257 00:23:14,726 --> 00:23:18,188 Then we can count on you to do whatever's necessary 258 00:23:19,356 --> 00:23:21,983 if and when the time comes? 259 00:23:22,359 --> 00:23:24,111 War is coming. 260 00:23:25,362 --> 00:23:26,780 It's time you picked a side. 261 00:23:39,209 --> 00:23:42,379 [Strauss] Emotionally, Brutus was conflicted. 262 00:23:43,004 --> 00:23:45,799 On the one hand, Caesar was a great man. 263 00:23:46,425 --> 00:23:49,636 Brutus had known him since he was a boy. 264 00:23:50,053 --> 00:23:53,765 On the other hand, Caesar was the dictator for life, 265 00:23:53,974 --> 00:23:56,768 the man who posed a threat to the Roman Republic 266 00:23:57,018 --> 00:23:59,646 and everything that Brutus held dear. 267 00:24:01,940 --> 00:24:04,067 [narrator] Despite their personal history, 268 00:24:04,401 --> 00:24:07,320 Brutus is forced by his colleagues to make a choice, while Caesar looks to distract the Senate from his illness 269 00:24:13,452 --> 00:24:15,996 with plans of a shocking new conquest. 270 00:24:33,054 --> 00:24:36,057 Knowing his sickness could make him seem weak to the Senate, 271 00:24:36,850 --> 00:24:39,603 Caesar decides to temporarily leave Rome. 272 00:24:42,522 --> 00:24:45,775 [Strauss] I think Caesar was frustrated by being in Rome, 273 00:24:46,109 --> 00:24:48,403 dealing with the minutia of Roman politics, 274 00:24:48,820 --> 00:24:53,742 jousting with Senators, having to negotiate with people 275 00:24:53,825 --> 00:24:56,077 he no longer considered his equals. 276 00:24:56,745 --> 00:25:00,290 On the battlefield, everything was simpler and cleaner. 277 00:25:02,000 --> 00:25:04,336 [narrator] So Caesar declares he'll invade Parthia, 278 00:25:05,545 --> 00:25:08,089 the same empire that defeated Crassus. 279 00:25:10,133 --> 00:25:12,802 [Toner] Caesar decided to invade Parthia 280 00:25:13,178 --> 00:25:15,263 to keep the Roman people on side. 281 00:25:17,891 --> 00:25:20,393 It may have been a ploy to distract the people, 282 00:25:21,269 --> 00:25:24,731 but it also shows that he's something of a conquest junkie. 283 00:25:25,065 --> 00:25:29,069 He's addicted to the thrill that comes from conquest 284 00:25:29,152 --> 00:25:31,821 and the power and money that it generates for him. 285 00:25:32,948 --> 00:25:36,409 [narrator] A victory in Parthia would bring Caesar not only riches, 286 00:25:37,744 --> 00:25:41,039 it would make him even more popular with the Roman people. 287 00:25:42,290 --> 00:25:44,084 Caesar's career followed a course 288 00:25:44,501 --> 00:25:48,713 where when he's out on campaign conquering new territory for Rome, 289 00:25:48,797 --> 00:25:52,008 defeating Rome's enemies, he's very popular, everything is great. 290 00:25:52,801 --> 00:25:55,136 Once he has to actually come back and govern, 291 00:25:55,887 --> 00:25:57,597 things get stickier, things get harder. 292 00:25:58,515 --> 00:26:00,016 If we come up through the north, we can cross the mountains. 293 00:26:02,644 --> 00:26:05,480 The only other option is the desert route, but we don't want to do that. 294 00:26:06,273 --> 00:26:08,942 -Well, Crassus went through the desert. -Crassus died in the desert. 295 00:26:09,943 --> 00:26:13,655 All the armies in the world can't save you from dying of thirst. 296 00:26:14,990 --> 00:26:16,491 Do not underestimate the risk. 297 00:26:17,742 --> 00:26:18,660 He was arrogant. 298 00:26:19,828 --> 00:26:22,038 He listened to the wrong people. That's what killed him. 299 00:26:24,916 --> 00:26:25,959 You called for me. 300 00:26:26,501 --> 00:26:28,253 Ah, you're here. It's all right. 301 00:26:30,463 --> 00:26:32,549 I want you to call a meeting with the Senate. 302 00:26:33,758 --> 00:26:35,510 I'm announcing a new campaign. 303 00:26:37,220 --> 00:26:39,222 We're going to conquer Parthia. 304 00:26:42,892 --> 00:26:43,727 Parthia? 305 00:26:45,061 --> 00:26:46,813 That's a bold choice. 306 00:26:50,108 --> 00:26:51,526 I'll arrange a meeting immediately. 307 00:26:53,528 --> 00:26:55,030 Tomorrow will be fine. 308 00:27:01,286 --> 00:27:02,662 Now, where were we? 309 00:27:08,835 --> 00:27:13,340 [narrator] For Brutus, an invasion of Parthia shows that Caesar values power 310 00:27:13,965 --> 00:27:15,925 over the welfare of the Republic. 311 00:27:17,344 --> 00:27:21,264 [Strauss] I think Brutus saw as much as anyone 312 00:27:21,348 --> 00:27:24,851 that Caesar was a threat to the long-established 313 00:27:24,934 --> 00:27:28,104 constitutional order of the Roman Republic. 314 00:27:28,188 --> 00:27:30,148 Brutus was a philosopher, 315 00:27:30,774 --> 00:27:34,778 and he saw that Caesar threatened Roman ideals. 316 00:27:35,654 --> 00:27:41,034 Brutus also felt that as the descendant of the founder of the Roman Republic, 317 00:27:41,117 --> 00:27:43,578 he had a particular responsibility 318 00:27:43,662 --> 00:27:48,583 to defend the Republic against someone who was opposing it. 319 00:28:04,265 --> 00:28:06,726 -Thank you for meeting with me. -Your message was cryptic. 320 00:28:07,394 --> 00:28:08,645 Let him speak. 321 00:28:11,231 --> 00:28:14,067 Caesar is calling an emergency meeting of the Senate. 322 00:28:15,193 --> 00:28:18,071 He's going to announce his plans to invade Parthia. 323 00:28:18,655 --> 00:28:20,990 He thinks another conquest will serve as a distraction. 324 00:28:21,074 --> 00:28:21,908 He's not serious. 325 00:28:22,367 --> 00:28:23,952 Are you really that surprised? We don't have the funds to finance-- 326 00:28:25,704 --> 00:28:27,997 There are far bigger implications than finances. 327 00:28:28,665 --> 00:28:30,333 The last thing we need is another war. 328 00:28:30,417 --> 00:28:31,334 Then talk to him. 329 00:28:31,710 --> 00:28:33,753 It's too late for that. He's already made up his mind. 330 00:28:33,837 --> 00:28:36,506 -There's no talking him out of it. -Then perhaps we should let him go. 331 00:28:36,589 --> 00:28:38,675 When he's gone, we can take back control of the Senate. 332 00:28:38,758 --> 00:28:41,428 We can't risk him returning more powerful than he already is. 333 00:28:41,511 --> 00:28:43,513 Well, that's assuming he's successful. 334 00:28:43,596 --> 00:28:46,391 If he fails, he'll bring the Republic down with him. 335 00:28:46,474 --> 00:28:48,309 How are we supposed to stop him? 336 00:28:49,853 --> 00:28:52,021 I thought you were prepared to do whatever's necessary? 337 00:29:01,072 --> 00:29:02,240 Inside Rome, 338 00:29:02,323 --> 00:29:05,410 there's a real fear that's beginning to set in 339 00:29:05,493 --> 00:29:08,997 that what Caesar's gonna do is make himself king of Rome. 340 00:29:10,957 --> 00:29:13,585 The idea that there would be a king of Rome 341 00:29:13,960 --> 00:29:17,589 was anathema to Roman political psychology. 342 00:29:21,551 --> 00:29:22,677 Inside the Senate, 343 00:29:23,553 --> 00:29:27,766 this is really the moment when they say, "We have to get rid of Caesar." 344 00:29:45,658 --> 00:29:49,162 [narrator] Three days before Caesar is scheduled to leave for Parthia, 345 00:29:50,789 --> 00:29:52,999 an emergency Senate meeting is called. 346 00:29:55,460 --> 00:29:58,296 [Strauss] Caesar's planned war with Parthia 347 00:29:58,379 --> 00:30:00,965 frightened his political opponents, 348 00:30:01,049 --> 00:30:03,218 because they knew that once he left Rome, 349 00:30:03,510 --> 00:30:05,720 and took his position as a general, 350 00:30:05,887 --> 00:30:08,223 he would be defended by a bodyguard. 351 00:30:08,723 --> 00:30:11,893 In Rome, Caesar had no formal bodyguard. 352 00:30:12,268 --> 00:30:17,232 So he would be virtually untouchable once he was a general in the field. 353 00:30:22,987 --> 00:30:25,448 [narrator] To guarantee there are no intruders, 354 00:30:27,951 --> 00:30:31,412 the Senate hire guards to stand watch outside the theater. 355 00:30:50,056 --> 00:30:55,186 [Toner] I think most of the reason why Brutus decided to conspire against Caesar 356 00:30:55,395 --> 00:30:56,563 was political. 357 00:30:58,857 --> 00:31:01,109 He could never tolerate a situation 358 00:31:01,359 --> 00:31:05,321 where the Republic had been defeated by an individual man 359 00:31:05,822 --> 00:31:09,450 who had taken powers to himself in perpetuity. 360 00:32:06,257 --> 00:32:08,426 May I have a word regarding my brother? He's in exile. 361 00:32:08,843 --> 00:32:10,261 -After the session -Please! 362 00:32:17,477 --> 00:32:18,311 Let me through. 363 00:32:19,812 --> 00:32:22,732 -Please. I'm not above begging. -You can bring it up with the magistrates. 364 00:32:22,815 --> 00:32:24,108 I haven't seen him in a decade. 365 00:32:24,192 --> 00:32:26,527 Then a few more hours won't matter. 366 00:32:26,611 --> 00:32:27,445 Please! 367 00:32:27,528 --> 00:32:28,988 Get off me. 368 00:32:29,072 --> 00:32:30,823 Get him off me! 369 00:33:57,201 --> 00:34:00,163 -[Caesar] And what's your name? -Brutus. 370 00:34:21,809 --> 00:34:25,229 [narrator] On the 14th of March, 44 B.C., Julius Caesar is stabbed 23 times 371 00:34:30,943 --> 00:34:32,695 by a faction of senators, 372 00:34:33,279 --> 00:34:35,073 led by Brutus. 373 00:34:43,998 --> 00:34:45,625 [Duncan] Caesar knew that he had enemies. 374 00:34:45,708 --> 00:34:48,544 Caesar knew that some of those enemies would kill him 375 00:34:48,628 --> 00:34:50,254 if they had the opportunity to. 376 00:34:50,338 --> 00:34:55,134 I don't think that Caesar thought that they had the balls to do it. 377 00:35:16,697 --> 00:35:20,076 [narrator] The assassination of Julius Caesar shocks Rome. 378 00:35:26,582 --> 00:35:29,001 Slaves carry his body through the streets 379 00:35:30,086 --> 00:35:31,838 as the city mourns. 380 00:35:37,635 --> 00:35:40,680 Brutus and his conspirators try to restore order, 381 00:35:41,639 --> 00:35:44,267 but things quickly spiral out of control. 382 00:35:45,393 --> 00:35:48,646 The death of Caesar created a huge political vacuum 383 00:35:48,729 --> 00:35:50,356 at the top of the processes 384 00:35:50,690 --> 00:35:54,777 and men immediately started to fight for how to achieve 385 00:35:54,861 --> 00:35:57,113 clarity in the system going forward. 386 00:36:05,830 --> 00:36:07,790 [narrator] In the months that follow, 387 00:36:07,874 --> 00:36:11,085 Brutus and Mark Antony become bitter rivals 388 00:36:12,170 --> 00:36:14,380 fighting for power on the battlefield. 389 00:36:17,592 --> 00:36:18,968 Brutus is defeated 390 00:36:19,760 --> 00:36:21,262 and as he's being captured, 391 00:36:21,971 --> 00:36:22,972 takes his own life. 392 00:36:30,021 --> 00:36:33,107 Mark Antony's allies will soon conspire against him, 393 00:36:34,192 --> 00:36:37,945 and he flees to Egypt, where he marries Cleopatra. 394 00:36:42,241 --> 00:36:44,952 After war breaks out between Egypt and Rome, 395 00:36:45,953 --> 00:36:49,290 Antony and Cleopatra die in a double suicide. 396 00:36:55,087 --> 00:36:59,383 Caesar's child, Caesarion, rules Egypt for two weeks, 397 00:37:00,009 --> 00:37:02,261 before he's killed at age seventeen. 398 00:37:16,192 --> 00:37:17,610 By assassinating Caesar, 399 00:37:18,069 --> 00:37:21,113 the Roman senators believed they were saving the Republic. 400 00:37:22,657 --> 00:37:24,158 But the opposite occurs. 401 00:37:27,411 --> 00:37:29,580 And after years of violence and upheaval 402 00:37:30,373 --> 00:37:34,835 the only way to restore peace is through the leadership of one man. 403 00:37:35,836 --> 00:37:39,632 His name is Octavian, the nephew of Julius Caesar. 404 00:37:41,008 --> 00:37:44,262 And on the 16th of January 27 B.C., 405 00:37:44,762 --> 00:37:46,889 he becomes Rome's first emperor, 406 00:37:48,057 --> 00:37:50,309 ruling for the next 40 years. 407 00:37:51,727 --> 00:37:54,981 Caesar, in the end, destroyed the Republic. 408 00:37:55,898 --> 00:38:00,903 The example that he set, the wheels that he set in motion. 409 00:38:01,028 --> 00:38:04,949 After Caesar, nothing could be the way that it was. 410 00:38:08,160 --> 00:38:10,663 [narrator] Just 20 years after Caesar's death, 411 00:38:11,956 --> 00:38:13,582 Rome is an empire... 412 00:38:16,919 --> 00:38:20,381 with over 50 million people living within its borders, 413 00:38:21,340 --> 00:38:24,385 roughly twenty percent of the world's population. 414 00:38:26,345 --> 00:38:29,348 No man helped shape that transformation more... 415 00:38:29,932 --> 00:38:31,475 than Julius Caesar. 416 00:38:36,063 --> 00:38:41,777 Caesar has been one of the most influential figures 417 00:38:42,069 --> 00:38:44,322 in the history of Western civilization. 418 00:38:45,197 --> 00:38:49,285 His assassination directly tied to the end of the Republic 419 00:38:49,702 --> 00:38:52,955 and the start of this imperial autocratic rule. 420 00:38:53,956 --> 00:38:56,334 So he's been hugely influential in that sense. 421 00:39:01,255 --> 00:39:04,592 [Tempest] Caesar certainly stands as one of the great men of history today. 422 00:39:05,259 --> 00:39:08,012 He did take steps to curb corruption, 423 00:39:08,137 --> 00:39:09,430 to eliminate debt, 424 00:39:09,680 --> 00:39:11,766 to make life a bit better for the poorer citizens 425 00:39:11,849 --> 00:39:12,933 and they loved him for it. 426 00:39:14,393 --> 00:39:17,605 So, part of his legacy is bound up with that reputation. 427 00:39:25,905 --> 00:39:28,824 [narrator] Caesar's legacy goes beyond the borders of Rome. 428 00:39:30,910 --> 00:39:31,827 Foreign leaders, 429 00:39:32,453 --> 00:39:35,122 including Russian Tsars and German Kaisers 430 00:39:35,498 --> 00:39:37,375 use translations of his name, 431 00:39:39,668 --> 00:39:42,630 and the month of July is named in his honor. 432 00:39:45,758 --> 00:39:48,344 [Duncan] Caesar's legacy is enormous. 433 00:39:49,095 --> 00:39:54,016 He's one of the two or three most famous human beings that has ever lived. 434 00:39:55,184 --> 00:39:58,729 Every subsequent leader for the last 2,000 years, 435 00:39:58,813 --> 00:40:01,857 anybody who's politically ambitious, militarily ambitious, 436 00:40:02,358 --> 00:40:05,361 knows about Julius Caesar, and whether consciously or not, 437 00:40:05,444 --> 00:40:07,780 is comparing themselves to Julius Caesar. 438 00:40:07,863 --> 00:40:12,034 He looms enormous in the political and military history 439 00:40:12,368 --> 00:40:14,662 of the Western world and the whole world. 440 00:40:14,995 --> 00:40:17,415 And of course he stands at one of the most famous 441 00:40:17,540 --> 00:40:19,458 political transitions in human history, 442 00:40:19,542 --> 00:40:22,420 which is when the Roman Republic becomes the Roman Empire.