Historical Context (Julius Caesar)

This section focusses on the historical context of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare. The historical context of Julius Caesar adds depth to Shakespeare’s exploration of power, politics, and human nature. By setting the play in Ancient Rome, Shakespeare draws parallels between the fall of the Roman Republic and the political uncertainties of his own time in Elizabethan England. Themes of ambition, honour, fate, and public disorder resonate with both the historical events of Caesar’s time and the concerns of Shakespeare’s contemporaries. Understanding the historical background helps to enrich the audience's appreciation of the play’s relevance and its timeless exploration of political power and human frailty.

Roman History and Politics

The Historical Julius Caesar:

Julius Caesar is based on real events in Roman history. Julius Caesar (100–44 BC) was a Roman general and statesman who played a critical role in the events that led to the downfall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.

Caesar expanded Rome’s territories through military conquests and became immensely popular with the people of Rome. However, his growing power alarmed the Roman Senate, which feared that he would declare himself king and dismantle the republican government.

In 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated by a group of senators, including his close friend Brutus, in a bid to restore the republic. However, the assassination led to civil war, which eventually resulted in the establishment of the Roman Empire under Caesar’s adopted heir, Octavius (later known as Augustus).

The Roman Republic vs. Empire:

The play is set during a time of political transition in Rome. The Roman Republic, which had lasted for around 500 years, was a system where power was shared among elected senators. However, by the time of Caesar, this system was breaking down due to the concentration of power in the hands of individual leaders like Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.

Caesar’s assassination was an attempt to preserve the republic, but it ultimately failed, leading to the rise of the Roman Empire. This struggle between republican ideals and the rise of autocratic rule is a central theme in Shakespeare’s play.

Elizabethan England and Shakespeare’s Audience

Elizabethan Political Context:

Shakespeare wrote Julius Caesar around 1599, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Like Caesar, Elizabeth was a strong and popular ruler, but there were concerns about what would happen to England after her death. Elizabeth had no direct heir, and the uncertainty about the succession created anxiety in the country.

The play reflects the political concerns of Elizabethan England, particularly the fear of disorder and civil war. Just as Rome experienced turmoil after Caesar’s assassination, England could face instability if a power struggle emerged after Elizabeth’s death. Shakespeare’s audience would have been aware of these parallels and may have seen the play as a commentary on their own political situation.

Tyranny vs. Republic:

Elizabethan England was a monarchy, but there was on-going debate about the role of monarchs and the extent of their power. Some feared the possibility of tyranny, while others believed in the divine right of kings, the idea that monarchs were chosen by God and should have absolute power.

In Julius Caesar, Shakespeare explores the tension between republicanism (represented by Brutus and the conspirators) and autocracy (represented by Caesar). The play does not provide a clear answer about which is better, instead showing the complexity of power and the dangers of both tyranny and rebellion.

Renaissance Humanism

Philosophical Ideas:

The Renaissance, a cultural movement that began in the 14th century and was flourishing during Shakespeare’s time, promoted ideas of humanism, which emphasised the value of individual human beings, their reason, and their capacity for self-determination.

In Julius Caesar, the characters grapple with questions of fate, free will, and personal responsibility—key concerns of Renaissance humanism. For example, Brutus’ internal conflict over whether to kill Caesar reflects Renaissance ideas about the moral choices individuals must make and the consequences of those choices.

Cassius’ famous line, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves,” reflects a humanist belief in personal agency rather than accepting fate as a predetermined force.

Classical Inspiration:

During the Renaissance, there was a renewed interest in the culture and history of Ancient Rome and Greece. Shakespeare’s audience would have been familiar with Roman history and classical literature. Many of the values of Roman society, such as honour, loyalty, and civic duty, were admired during the Renaissance, and Shakespeare reflects these values in his portrayal of characters like Brutus.

The story of Julius Caesar was a well-known historical tale, and Shakespeare drew upon sources like The Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans by Plutarch, a Roman historian whose works were translated into English by Sir Thomas North in 1579. Shakespeare used Plutarch’s account as the basis for many of the events and characters in his play.

Public Disorder and the Fear of Anarchy

The Elizabethan Fear of Civil War:

England had experienced civil unrest during the Wars of the Roses (1455–1487), a series of conflicts between rival factions for control of the throne. This history of civil war was still fresh in the minds of Shakespeare’s audience, and the fear of political instability was a recurring concern.

In Julius Caesar, the assassination of Caesar triggers a period of civil war in Rome, which mirrors the Elizabethan fear that a political crisis, such as the death of Elizabeth without a clear successor, could lead to a similar breakdown of order in England.

Mob Mentality and Public Unrest:

Shakespeare’s portrayal of the Roman crowd in Julius Caesar reflects concerns about the unpredictable nature of public opinion and mob mentality. The ease with which the Roman crowd is swayed by rhetoric—first by Brutus and then by Antony—highlights the fragility of public order.

In Elizabethan England, social and political instability could easily lead to riots and disorder. The London theatres themselves were sometimes associated with unruly behaviour, and plays that explored themes of rebellion and political violence were particularly resonant for Shakespeare’s audience.

The Role of Superstition and Omens

Superstition in Roman Culture:

In Ancient Rome, superstition and omens played a significant role in daily life and political decisions. Many Romans believed that natural events could predict the future, and they consulted soothsayers and augurs to interpret these signs.

In the play, several key moments involve omens and supernatural warnings. The soothsayer’s warning to “Beware the Ides of March,” Calpurnia’s dream of Caesar’s death, and the strange events leading up to the assassination all reflect the Roman belief in fate and the supernatural.

Elizabethan Beliefs:

Shakespeare’s audience would have been familiar with the role of omens and prophecies, as superstition was also a part of Elizabethan culture. While the Renaissance encouraged rational thought, many Elizabethans still believed in the supernatural, including astrology, witchcraft, and the power of omens.

The tension between fate and free will in the play reflects Renaissance debates about whether people’s lives were determined by the stars or by their own actions. The Elizabethan audience might have interpreted the play as a warning about the dangers of ignoring supernatural signs, as Caesar does when he dismisses the soothsayer and Calpurnia’s fears.