The second part of the primary source portrays the arrival of Caesar at the senate house and the details surrounding his murder at the hands of a group of fellow senators and one time friend Brutus. The conspirators stabbed at Caesar multiple times as the dictator attempted to defend himself. Plutarch says that until the dictator saw his friend upon him he resisted valiantly but gave up and succumbed to death as Brutus lunged at him.
One of the most obvious issues that gave rise to this document is the murder of one of the world’s most powerful leaders itself, as this would have lasting consequences upon the Roman Republic, the ensuing Empire, and the controlled territories. It was written to show future generations that in an attempt to rule the world and fancy oneself immortal, all things must come to an end. As it was not written during the remain of the Roman society, Life of Caesar does little to fulfill needs to the people it was written about. However it has a lasting message that warns to take caution and heed advice.
Life of Caesar shows many important elements of the time period that it came from. One being that the Romans valued the Republic upon which they were founded, although it eventually diminished into an Empire and dictatorship. Another being that, even though many senators were out for personal gain, a select few knew that there was something higher to fight for. The glory of Rome, as it is often called was in danger from the inside. Caesar was brining about important military and governmental changes, but he was also contributing to the decline of the Republic that many saw as a fragile thing from the start.
The textbook most likely includes Life of Caesar because it gives a good description of an event that many people do not fully understand. The particular idea that most believe Caesar to be a savior and “good” leader is ironic after reading Plutarch’s description of the event and of who Caesar really was. Life of Caesar is also a good source to show the brutality and effectiveness of the Roman legions and military power. As with all of the primary sources included in the text, it is brief in its attempt to show what life was like in ancient times, but upon reading the work in full, one can gain a better understanding of the impact of the Roman leader upon his domain, and why a coup was desired to protect the civilization from which our own form of government is taken.