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The Roman Revolution

Conspiracy

Despite his clemency, Caesar had many enemies, especially among the younger members of the nobility. Because he was dictator, he appointed officials without bothering with elections. This meant that the only possibility for advancement was by being one of Caesar's men. He had effectively shut down the traditional courses of political activity, and this was deeply resented among the young men who saw their futures closed. Caesar was dictator and there was no hint that he intended to do as Sulla had and resign.

He made matters worse by his autocratic behavior. Thoroughly disgusted with the corruption and pettiness among the senators, Caesar did not bother to consult them and behaved badly towards them. He rode over their objections and hesitations and while few dared speak openly, many resented this and feared where it would lead.

He did not bother to tell people his plans, either, leaving everyone free to assume the best or the worst. He also assumed a number of public offices himself - key positions in the state that would never fall to anyone else. Among these was the position of consul.

The last straw came in February 44, when he was made dictator for life. Would Caesar become king? At a public event, Marc Antony offered him a golden crown -- the mark of a king -- but he refused it. Some say the gesture was genuine, but others suspected it was but another instance of Caesarian politics, a carefully orchestrated event between he and Antony to reassure the mob that Caesar would not be king.

Also in February, Caesar dismissed his personal bodyguard. He appears to have believed either that he was in no personal danger, or that it was politically necessary to make such a gesture, to show confidence.

He also announced that he intended to leave Rome on the the 18th of March to go to Parthia. No Roman had forgotten the humiliation of Crassus' defeat. The Partians had captured two Roman eagles (symbols of a legion) and openly paraded them as prizes. Caesar would avenge Crassus.

All these factors precipitated the events of March 44. His enemies had new reasons to fear and hate him. They had to strike before March 18 because once he left for Parthia he would be safe in his army and would return even stronger (none doubted that he would be victorious, not even his enemies). And, by dismissing his bodyguard, he had given them an opportunity.

There would never be a better chance to eliminate the tyrant.