1 00:00:03,350 --> 00:00:05,048 [mysterious music playing] 2 00:00:31,813 --> 00:00:33,163 It isn't too late. 3 00:00:35,121 --> 00:00:37,254 Any man who wishes to turn back... 4 00:00:38,211 --> 00:00:39,169 go now... 5 00:00:39,995 --> 00:00:41,519 with no dishonor. 6 00:00:43,129 --> 00:00:44,739 We cross this stream... 7 00:00:47,655 --> 00:00:49,918 we are fighting all the way to Rome. 8 00:00:50,919 --> 00:00:52,356 Are you with me? 9 00:00:52,486 --> 00:00:54,662 ALL: Long live Caesar! 10 00:00:55,402 --> 00:00:58,710 - Let the dice fly high! - [all shouting] 11 00:00:58,840 --> 00:01:01,104 [epic music playing] 12 00:01:07,980 --> 00:01:10,722 Caesar stands as a colossus in world history. 13 00:01:11,505 --> 00:01:13,551 He is one of the most brilliant 14 00:01:13,681 --> 00:01:16,206 but also dangerous statesmen who ever lived. 15 00:01:18,599 --> 00:01:21,124 He was an orator, a warrior. 16 00:01:21,254 --> 00:01:22,560 He built an empire. 17 00:01:22,690 --> 00:01:25,476 Victory, or death! 18 00:01:25,606 --> 00:01:28,174 [soldiers shouting] 19 00:01:29,523 --> 00:01:31,612 Caesar took on the greatest rivals of his day 20 00:01:31,743 --> 00:01:33,048 and defeated them one by one. 21 00:01:34,093 --> 00:01:37,444 Caesar turns the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. 22 00:01:38,793 --> 00:01:40,012 The defining aspect of Caesar's personality 23 00:01:40,143 --> 00:01:41,753 is his willingness to gamble. 24 00:01:43,102 --> 00:01:44,930 He is cunning, he's devious, 25 00:01:45,060 --> 00:01:47,715 he's not always as sincere as he proclaims. 26 00:01:47,846 --> 00:01:50,675 The three of us would be invincible. 27 00:01:52,938 --> 00:01:54,505 [people shouting] 28 00:01:54,635 --> 00:01:56,420 Does he declare war on the Republic 29 00:01:56,550 --> 00:01:59,336 in order to save it, or to dismantle it? 30 00:01:59,466 --> 00:02:01,425 Your bruised ego means war, does it? 31 00:02:02,556 --> 00:02:05,037 So much of our modern world is shaped 32 00:02:05,168 --> 00:02:06,995 by Julius Caesar and the Roman Empire. 33 00:02:07,866 --> 00:02:11,086 Julius Caesar is this pivot point 34 00:02:11,217 --> 00:02:12,349 in Western history. 35 00:02:13,785 --> 00:02:15,352 Now! 36 00:02:16,179 --> 00:02:18,703 This is a man who amassed power 37 00:02:18,833 --> 00:02:20,879 and couldn't be satisfied with what he had. 38 00:02:21,009 --> 00:02:23,664 There's a tremendous warning for us in Caesar's story. 39 00:02:24,491 --> 00:02:27,059 As dark as it sounds, 40 00:02:27,190 --> 00:02:30,280 Caesar's story is the story of Rome. 41 00:02:30,410 --> 00:02:35,328 ♪ 42 00:02:44,990 --> 00:02:47,297 NARRATOR: Rome, 81 BC. 43 00:02:47,949 --> 00:02:49,734 [horse whinnying] 44 00:02:51,605 --> 00:02:54,652 NARRATOR: For eight years, a brutal civil war 45 00:02:54,782 --> 00:02:58,830 between rival political factions has torn the city apart. 46 00:03:00,484 --> 00:03:04,401 Now, a ruthless commander, called Sulla, has triumphed. 47 00:03:06,229 --> 00:03:07,926 [men whistling] 48 00:03:09,014 --> 00:03:11,582 - [punches landing] - [blood squirting] 49 00:03:11,712 --> 00:03:13,888 NARRATOR: And he is purging his political rivals. 50 00:03:14,019 --> 00:03:16,195 [audience shouting] 51 00:03:16,326 --> 00:03:18,066 [punches thudding] 52 00:03:18,197 --> 00:03:19,329 NARRATOR: Thousands are killed. 53 00:03:20,982 --> 00:03:22,157 [sword slashing] 54 00:03:22,288 --> 00:03:23,594 [men grunting] 55 00:03:26,161 --> 00:03:27,206 [man screams] 56 00:03:29,991 --> 00:03:32,167 NARRATOR: Caught up in this bloody violence, 57 00:03:32,298 --> 00:03:34,605 is a young man, called Julius Caesar. 58 00:03:38,957 --> 00:03:41,742 Caesar comes from a moderately well-known family. 59 00:03:42,787 --> 00:03:44,876 They weren't the wealthiest, the most powerful 60 00:03:45,006 --> 00:03:46,878 and they were actually on the defeated side 61 00:03:47,008 --> 00:03:48,271 of the civil war. 62 00:03:49,359 --> 00:03:50,751 He was in danger. 63 00:03:52,579 --> 00:03:54,451 He is tied by blood and by marriage 64 00:03:54,581 --> 00:03:55,713 to the losing side. 65 00:03:57,018 --> 00:03:58,368 This puts Caesar in a difficult position. 66 00:03:59,412 --> 00:04:01,936 [tense music playing] 67 00:04:02,067 --> 00:04:03,634 SOLDIER: Hey! Stop right there! 68 00:04:03,764 --> 00:04:05,462 Hey! Stop right there! 69 00:04:05,592 --> 00:04:08,160 Wait, wait, wait! 70 00:04:09,248 --> 00:04:11,859 Hey, stop! Hey, stop! 71 00:04:11,990 --> 00:04:15,994 ♪ 72 00:04:16,124 --> 00:04:19,084 [Caesar breathing heavily] 73 00:04:19,214 --> 00:04:21,782 - [soldiers shouting] - [Caesar grunting] 74 00:04:23,480 --> 00:04:24,916 [Caesar grunts] 75 00:04:28,006 --> 00:04:30,313 Over the centuries, before the civil war... 76 00:04:31,749 --> 00:04:34,578 Rome has gone from a small regional power, 77 00:04:34,708 --> 00:04:37,320 to a major player on the world stage. 78 00:04:38,233 --> 00:04:40,627 From a city state on seven hills, 79 00:04:40,758 --> 00:04:44,022 it's bit by bit conquered and absorbed surrounding tribes 80 00:04:44,152 --> 00:04:45,719 until it dominates Italy, Greece 81 00:04:45,850 --> 00:04:47,678 and most of the Mediterranean. 82 00:04:48,853 --> 00:04:51,899 NARRATOR: Once a monarchy, Rome has been a republic, 83 00:04:52,030 --> 00:04:54,249 a city ruled by elected officials, 84 00:04:54,380 --> 00:04:56,164 since 500 BC. 85 00:04:56,295 --> 00:04:58,558 A period of more than 400 years. 86 00:04:59,298 --> 00:05:00,995 The whole principle of the Roman Republic 87 00:05:01,126 --> 00:05:03,084 is that no one individual 88 00:05:03,215 --> 00:05:05,217 should gain permanent, supreme power. 89 00:05:06,827 --> 00:05:08,176 So, power is divided. 90 00:05:09,264 --> 00:05:11,310 [footsteps thudding] 91 00:05:11,441 --> 00:05:13,486 But at the end of the civil war, 92 00:05:13,617 --> 00:05:16,184 one man rules the Roman Republic unchallenged, 93 00:05:16,315 --> 00:05:17,490 Sulla, the dictator. 94 00:05:23,496 --> 00:05:25,933 A dictator was a special office 95 00:05:26,064 --> 00:05:29,502 that was only called upon in times of emergency. 96 00:05:31,025 --> 00:05:33,419 A dictator had absolute authority 97 00:05:33,550 --> 00:05:37,815 but a dictator only served for a period of six months, 98 00:05:37,945 --> 00:05:41,558 or the duration of the crisis, whichever was shorter. 99 00:05:43,429 --> 00:05:45,866 What makes Sulla's dictatorship unique, 100 00:05:45,997 --> 00:05:47,912 is that he never puts a deadline 101 00:05:48,042 --> 00:05:49,479 on when he's gonna give up power. 102 00:05:51,785 --> 00:05:53,961 NARRATOR: Caesar's uncle, Marius, 103 00:05:54,092 --> 00:05:56,094 and father-in-law, Cinna, 104 00:05:56,224 --> 00:05:58,792 were both leaders of the defeated side in the war. 105 00:06:00,054 --> 00:06:02,709 Cinna and Marius fought the war on behalf of the populares, 106 00:06:02,840 --> 00:06:04,711 which essentially means "populists." 107 00:06:04,842 --> 00:06:07,322 These are the aristocrats who are looking to support 108 00:06:07,453 --> 00:06:09,629 the causes of the general public. 109 00:06:09,760 --> 00:06:12,937 Sulla had fought the civil war on behalf of the optimates, 110 00:06:13,067 --> 00:06:14,373 meaning "Rome's best men." 111 00:06:14,504 --> 00:06:17,420 They were conservative aristocrats 112 00:06:17,550 --> 00:06:19,596 and they were really looking to maintain the status quo. 113 00:06:22,207 --> 00:06:24,427 NARRATOR: Given the suspect loyalty of Caesar's family... 114 00:06:25,950 --> 00:06:28,213 - Get up. - NARRATOR: ...Rome's new ruler 115 00:06:28,343 --> 00:06:30,650 wants to see where his allegiances lie. 116 00:06:30,781 --> 00:06:32,609 Now I heard you ran from my men. 117 00:06:33,697 --> 00:06:35,307 Not sure your uncle would approve. 118 00:06:38,310 --> 00:06:40,225 Do you stand against me like your dead father-in-law? 119 00:06:42,227 --> 00:06:43,663 I stand with the Republic. 120 00:06:43,794 --> 00:06:45,317 SULLA: Oh. 121 00:06:46,361 --> 00:06:48,146 [chuckles] Prove it. 122 00:06:51,410 --> 00:06:52,455 Divorce your wife. 123 00:06:57,460 --> 00:07:00,724 How does that benefit the Republic? 124 00:07:00,854 --> 00:07:01,899 It benefits me. 125 00:07:03,901 --> 00:07:04,989 I am the Republic. 126 00:07:08,253 --> 00:07:10,603 Caesar is married to Cornelia, 127 00:07:10,734 --> 00:07:11,952 the daughter of Cinna. 128 00:07:13,301 --> 00:07:15,608 Cinna had been Sulla's mortal enemy 129 00:07:15,739 --> 00:07:18,481 and so Sulla wants to make sure 130 00:07:18,611 --> 00:07:21,048 Julius Caesar does not become a threat 131 00:07:21,179 --> 00:07:23,486 because of his marriage connection. 132 00:07:25,444 --> 00:07:26,489 You have until sunrise. 133 00:07:33,191 --> 00:07:37,412 Refusing Sulla's request would be an amazing risk. 134 00:07:37,543 --> 00:07:41,504 Sulla is a terrifying and ferocious character 135 00:07:41,634 --> 00:07:43,680 who had brought a new level 136 00:07:43,810 --> 00:07:46,857 of ruthless savagery to Roman politics. 137 00:07:46,987 --> 00:07:51,949 ♪ 138 00:07:53,907 --> 00:07:55,909 But Caesar doesn't divorce Cornelia. 139 00:07:56,040 --> 00:07:57,781 Is it because of the political connections? 140 00:07:57,911 --> 00:08:00,000 Is it because he genuinely loved Cornelia? 141 00:08:00,131 --> 00:08:03,482 We don't know but we know it's a great risk. 142 00:08:06,354 --> 00:08:07,878 CAESAR: Cornelia. Cornelia. 143 00:08:11,403 --> 00:08:13,492 Why didn't you leave when you heard they were coming for you? 144 00:08:13,623 --> 00:08:15,276 I couldn't go without seeing you. 145 00:08:15,407 --> 00:08:17,148 There are heads up on spikes by the bridge, 146 00:08:17,278 --> 00:08:18,889 - do you want to be one? - Cornelia! 147 00:08:19,019 --> 00:08:20,891 It won't always be like this. 148 00:08:21,021 --> 00:08:23,154 - [people shouting] - [armor clanking] 149 00:08:23,284 --> 00:08:24,416 You have to go now. 150 00:08:28,855 --> 00:08:31,510 [emotional music playing] 151 00:08:35,035 --> 00:08:37,647 [both breathing heavily] 152 00:08:47,961 --> 00:08:50,442 [footsteps marching] 153 00:08:53,837 --> 00:08:55,926 NARRATOR: Having made an enemy of Sulla, 154 00:08:56,056 --> 00:08:57,449 Caesar slips out of the city. 155 00:08:59,190 --> 00:09:02,367 Caesar may hope that one day, he can return to Rome 156 00:09:02,497 --> 00:09:05,849 and fix what he sees as a broken Republic. 157 00:09:05,979 --> 00:09:10,897 ♪ 158 00:09:18,426 --> 00:09:20,428 By the time Julius Caesar is a young man, 159 00:09:20,559 --> 00:09:23,301 Rome has grown to a city of almost a million people. 160 00:09:24,781 --> 00:09:26,913 The population density is approaching 161 00:09:27,044 --> 00:09:28,611 what we see in modern Manhattan. 162 00:09:29,916 --> 00:09:32,963 As Rome's power and population increase, 163 00:09:33,093 --> 00:09:36,227 it's Republic becomes fundamentally less democratic. 164 00:09:38,142 --> 00:09:40,144 The line between Rome's rich and poor 165 00:09:40,274 --> 00:09:41,493 has only gotten greater. 166 00:09:43,451 --> 00:09:46,411 There are a great number of very impoverished people in the city 167 00:09:46,541 --> 00:09:49,501 who actually survive on a grain dole from the state. 168 00:09:51,111 --> 00:09:53,244 The populares, including Caesar's family, 169 00:09:53,374 --> 00:09:55,681 think that they can fix these problems of Rome's poor. 170 00:09:55,812 --> 00:10:00,643 ♪ 171 00:10:01,687 --> 00:10:03,428 NARRATOR: But first, 172 00:10:03,558 --> 00:10:05,735 the fugitive Caesar has to stay alive. 173 00:10:09,129 --> 00:10:10,870 Caesar is being hunted down 174 00:10:11,001 --> 00:10:12,916 by some of Sulla's bounty hunters 175 00:10:13,046 --> 00:10:15,788 because his name is now on the lists. 176 00:10:15,919 --> 00:10:18,399 Caesar is forced to go on the run for months, 177 00:10:18,530 --> 00:10:19,966 it's one of the worst times in his life. 178 00:10:20,967 --> 00:10:22,882 And when he gets caught by Sulla's men, 179 00:10:23,013 --> 00:10:25,842 he's forced to bribe them using all the money he has. 180 00:10:25,972 --> 00:10:28,105 [Caesar breathing heavily] 181 00:10:34,415 --> 00:10:36,809 [thunder rumbling] 182 00:10:38,202 --> 00:10:39,551 AMANDA RUGGERI: Back in Rome, Caesar's family 183 00:10:39,682 --> 00:10:41,684 lobbies Sulla to pardon Caesar. 184 00:10:44,817 --> 00:10:46,384 He eventually gives in to their persistence. 185 00:10:48,603 --> 00:10:50,518 Despite being pardoned by Sulla, 186 00:10:50,649 --> 00:10:52,738 Caesar returning to Rome would not necessarily be safe. 187 00:10:54,087 --> 00:10:57,656 And so, instead, he joins up with the Roman military, 188 00:10:57,787 --> 00:11:01,312 looking for experience that will possibly lead 189 00:11:01,442 --> 00:11:03,836 to some degree of advancement later on. 190 00:11:05,142 --> 00:11:06,578 My name is Caesar. 191 00:11:06,709 --> 00:11:08,711 I believe my family's been in touch. 192 00:11:09,320 --> 00:11:11,148 GEN. WESLEY CLARK: Every Roman aristocrat 193 00:11:11,278 --> 00:11:13,019 was expected to serve in the military. 194 00:11:13,759 --> 00:11:16,675 It was a society which rewarded it's warriors. 195 00:11:18,242 --> 00:11:19,722 NARRATOR: Caesar is sent to a Greek island. 196 00:11:20,418 --> 00:11:23,377 [battle din] 197 00:11:23,508 --> 00:11:25,510 NARRATOR: Part of a force 198 00:11:25,640 --> 00:11:26,990 tasked with bringing down a rebellion. 199 00:11:28,469 --> 00:11:30,471 COL. DOUG DOUDS: They end up in a battle. 200 00:11:30,602 --> 00:11:32,299 Caesar steps in to save 201 00:11:32,430 --> 00:11:34,345 one of his fallen Roman soldiers. 202 00:11:34,475 --> 00:11:36,434 [swords clanking] 203 00:11:41,352 --> 00:11:44,181 In this, it is witnessed as an act of bravery. 204 00:11:45,617 --> 00:11:47,010 ADRIAN GOLDSWORTHY: He wins what the Romans know 205 00:11:47,140 --> 00:11:48,838 as the Corona Civica. 206 00:11:48,968 --> 00:11:51,884 This is the Civic Crown, it was the highest award 207 00:11:52,015 --> 00:11:54,931 for individual gallantry that the Roman state could issue. 208 00:11:56,019 --> 00:11:58,021 It is perhaps the first sign 209 00:11:58,151 --> 00:12:00,763 that Caesar is not your ordinary Roman soldier. 210 00:12:02,852 --> 00:12:04,767 Caesar stays in the army for several years. 211 00:12:05,985 --> 00:12:08,292 During this time, he gets a real understanding 212 00:12:08,422 --> 00:12:10,685 of what it means to be part of an empire. 213 00:12:10,816 --> 00:12:13,601 Roman politics is not just about the city of Rome, 214 00:12:13,732 --> 00:12:15,342 it's about the world at large. 215 00:12:16,691 --> 00:12:19,129 NARRATOR: Finally, four years after he left Rome... 216 00:12:20,217 --> 00:12:23,046 Caesar learns that the dictator, Sulla, is dead. 217 00:12:24,743 --> 00:12:27,050 The death of Sulla in 78 BC 218 00:12:27,180 --> 00:12:29,313 brings some good news for Caesar, 219 00:12:29,443 --> 00:12:31,881 it means he can go back to Rome without threat of being killed. 220 00:12:33,796 --> 00:12:37,669 ♪ 221 00:12:42,630 --> 00:12:44,067 AMANDA: After Caesar returns to Rome, 222 00:12:44,197 --> 00:12:45,285 he works as a lawyer. 223 00:12:46,243 --> 00:12:47,897 But he is really eager 224 00:12:48,027 --> 00:12:49,812 to get his foot on the ladder of politics. 225 00:12:51,465 --> 00:12:53,641 Having been forced to go into hiding, 226 00:12:53,772 --> 00:12:56,340 Caesar spent months as a penniless refugee, 227 00:12:56,470 --> 00:12:58,603 relying on the charity of others. 228 00:12:58,733 --> 00:13:01,519 It's the kind of thing that might've affected his outlook. 229 00:13:01,649 --> 00:13:03,390 Working as a lawyer in Rome, 230 00:13:03,521 --> 00:13:06,176 he takes on the cases of the underdogs. 231 00:13:08,352 --> 00:13:10,397 NARRATOR: Caesar and Cornelia now have one daughter, 232 00:13:10,528 --> 00:13:12,443 Julia, 233 00:13:12,573 --> 00:13:14,880 but Caesar has little time for family, 234 00:13:15,011 --> 00:13:17,840 thanks to the demands of work and his burning ambitions. 235 00:13:19,189 --> 00:13:20,799 One of the defining features 236 00:13:20,930 --> 00:13:22,845 in this era of the Roman Republic 237 00:13:22,975 --> 00:13:26,239 is incredible ambition in young men. 238 00:13:26,370 --> 00:13:29,808 There's more to it than just blind ambition for Caesar. 239 00:13:29,939 --> 00:13:33,856 He's living in a Republic that's absolutely broken. 240 00:13:34,595 --> 00:13:38,164 Sulla is dead but he still has appointed cronies 241 00:13:38,295 --> 00:13:40,427 who are in the government still 242 00:13:40,558 --> 00:13:43,430 and in this situation of rank corruption, 243 00:13:43,561 --> 00:13:46,129 Caesar feels like he can fix things 244 00:13:46,259 --> 00:13:48,087 but in order to do that, 245 00:13:48,218 --> 00:13:50,133 he needs more power and more influence. 246 00:13:50,742 --> 00:13:51,874 CORNELIA: Will you be joining us for dinner? 247 00:13:53,484 --> 00:13:54,746 Sorry, hearing tomorrow. 248 00:13:54,877 --> 00:13:56,182 Surely you can take a break? 249 00:13:57,009 --> 00:13:58,228 Your daughter never sees you. 250 00:13:59,098 --> 00:14:00,883 To gain more power, 251 00:14:01,013 --> 00:14:02,928 Caesar needs to climb the cursus honorum, 252 00:14:03,059 --> 00:14:05,278 the Roman ladder of offices. 253 00:14:05,975 --> 00:14:07,977 What Caesar wants is the opportunity 254 00:14:08,107 --> 00:14:10,501 to jump a few rungs up. 255 00:14:12,459 --> 00:14:15,636 NARRATOR: Caesar is impatient to progress in Roman society 256 00:14:15,767 --> 00:14:17,595 but he is forced to wait for his chance. 257 00:14:19,553 --> 00:14:22,034 Five years after Caesar returns to Rome, 258 00:14:22,165 --> 00:14:25,820 the opportunity he has been hoping for rears its head. 259 00:14:25,951 --> 00:14:28,258 [people screaming] 260 00:14:29,955 --> 00:14:31,522 SIMON SEBAG MONTEFIORE: A gladiatorial rebellion 261 00:14:31,652 --> 00:14:33,176 engulfs all of Italy... 262 00:14:34,394 --> 00:14:37,049 and it's leader is named Spartacus. 263 00:14:37,745 --> 00:14:40,661 [sword slashing] 264 00:14:40,792 --> 00:14:44,535 n] 265 00:14:44,665 --> 00:14:46,363 In 73 BC, 266 00:14:46,493 --> 00:14:48,582 a group of gladiators breaks free 267 00:14:48,713 --> 00:14:50,280 from the captivity in the school 268 00:14:50,410 --> 00:14:51,629 where they're being trained to fight. 269 00:14:51,759 --> 00:14:52,935 [men grunting] 270 00:14:55,198 --> 00:14:56,634 [swords clanking] 271 00:14:58,027 --> 00:14:59,593 ADRIAN: They're led by Spartacus, 272 00:14:59,724 --> 00:15:01,073 the man who would become famous. 273 00:15:05,817 --> 00:15:07,732 Within a few months, Spartacus has rallied 274 00:15:07,862 --> 00:15:10,474 120,000 slaves to his cause. 275 00:15:10,604 --> 00:15:13,129 [battle din] 276 00:15:15,566 --> 00:15:18,786 This is the biggest slave rebellion in Roman history. 277 00:15:23,704 --> 00:15:25,750 AMANDA: The first two years of the rebellion 278 00:15:25,880 --> 00:15:28,492 go very well for Spartacus and very poorly for the Romans. 279 00:15:28,622 --> 00:15:30,581 Two different armies that are raised 280 00:15:30,711 --> 00:15:32,975 and paid for by the Senate are completely crushed. 281 00:15:35,151 --> 00:15:37,675 NARRATOR: But while Spartacus' uprising is a crisis for Rome... 282 00:15:39,503 --> 00:15:40,983 it's good news for Caesar. 283 00:15:42,636 --> 00:15:45,204 As Spartacus' rebellion breaks out, 284 00:15:45,335 --> 00:15:47,380 Caesar stands for his first elected role 285 00:15:47,511 --> 00:15:49,339 as military tribune and he's successful. 286 00:15:49,469 --> 00:15:51,341 [swords clanking] 287 00:15:54,083 --> 00:15:55,823 BARRY STRAUSS: The military tribune is an important officer 288 00:15:55,954 --> 00:15:57,347 in the Roman army, 289 00:15:57,477 --> 00:15:58,348 it's the equivalent of a colonel. 290 00:15:59,479 --> 00:16:02,178 For Caesar, Spartacus' uprising 291 00:16:02,308 --> 00:16:04,528 presents an opportunity. 292 00:16:04,658 --> 00:16:06,791 If Caesar can be a part of the group 293 00:16:06,921 --> 00:16:09,663 that brings Spartacus down, 294 00:16:09,794 --> 00:16:12,231 it gives him a profound standing 295 00:16:12,362 --> 00:16:13,841 within the Roman Republic. 296 00:16:15,408 --> 00:16:18,020 At some point, I will lose, I promise, I promise. 297 00:16:18,150 --> 00:16:20,805 NARRATOR: The man in charge of the Roman armies 298 00:16:20,935 --> 00:16:23,025 is Marcus Licinius Crassus. 299 00:16:25,027 --> 00:16:27,725 You do know gambling is illegal. 300 00:16:31,033 --> 00:16:33,383 - Name? - Gaius Julius Caesar. 301 00:16:34,166 --> 00:16:35,559 You won the Civic Crown. 302 00:16:36,908 --> 00:16:38,170 I've heard about you. 303 00:16:39,302 --> 00:16:40,390 CAESAR: All good, I hope. 304 00:16:42,653 --> 00:16:44,046 We should play a real game... 305 00:16:44,829 --> 00:16:46,396 not one decided by luck. 306 00:16:47,266 --> 00:16:48,920 Play well and, uh... 307 00:16:50,530 --> 00:16:51,749 I might forget about this. 308 00:16:57,755 --> 00:16:59,931 Marcus Licinius Crassus is famous 309 00:17:00,062 --> 00:17:02,194 as the richest man in Rome. 310 00:17:02,325 --> 00:17:04,892 He's the kind of ancient world's Tywin Lannister. 311 00:17:06,155 --> 00:17:08,287 AARON IRVIN: The Senate turns to Crassus for help 312 00:17:08,418 --> 00:17:10,420 because nobody else wants the position. 313 00:17:10,550 --> 00:17:13,510 Spartacus has already defeated several Roman generals. 314 00:17:14,511 --> 00:17:17,035 BARRY: But Crassus is ambitious, 315 00:17:17,166 --> 00:17:19,690 he doesn't have the military reputation that he wants 316 00:17:19,820 --> 00:17:22,040 to rise to the top of Roman politics. 317 00:17:22,171 --> 00:17:25,087 He's very eager to have a military success. 318 00:17:25,217 --> 00:17:28,525 Crassus also has the personal wealth 319 00:17:28,655 --> 00:17:31,571 to be able to build and maintain the army himself. 320 00:17:33,138 --> 00:17:34,661 NARRATOR: Caesar now has an opportunity 321 00:17:34,792 --> 00:17:35,793 to form a relationship... 322 00:17:37,316 --> 00:17:38,970 with one of Rome's most powerful men. 323 00:17:40,276 --> 00:17:41,407 Your turn. 324 00:17:48,936 --> 00:17:49,981 Bold move. 325 00:17:51,548 --> 00:17:52,853 Aggression is the key to winning any battle. 326 00:17:53,767 --> 00:17:55,639 Including our war with the gladiators. 327 00:17:57,597 --> 00:17:59,556 Our gladiators are extremely well-trained, 328 00:17:59,686 --> 00:18:01,297 they'll beat you in a contest of aggression. 329 00:18:03,299 --> 00:18:05,127 There's more than one way to defeat an enemy. 330 00:18:06,476 --> 00:18:09,000 You see, we Romans have an advantage, 331 00:18:09,131 --> 00:18:11,307 we're the best engineers in the world. 332 00:18:13,091 --> 00:18:15,615 Why fight an open battle when you don't have to? 333 00:18:16,921 --> 00:18:19,445 Why take on a strong enemy 334 00:18:19,576 --> 00:18:22,666 when you can weaken them first? 335 00:18:24,189 --> 00:18:26,670 One of the most impressive things about the Romans 336 00:18:26,800 --> 00:18:29,412 was their military engineering ability. 337 00:18:29,542 --> 00:18:32,328 Crassus will drive Spartacus down to the toe of Italy 338 00:18:32,458 --> 00:18:34,678 and across that toe, 339 00:18:34,808 --> 00:18:37,159 Crassus will build a forty-mile wall. 340 00:18:38,160 --> 00:18:42,512 ♪ 341 00:18:42,642 --> 00:18:45,079 ADAM MARSHAK: Crassus hopes to either starve the army, 342 00:18:45,210 --> 00:18:47,299 get them to surrender 343 00:18:47,430 --> 00:18:50,911 or enable him to fight them when they're weak and hungry. 344 00:18:51,042 --> 00:18:53,523 Eventually, Spartacus' provisions run out. 345 00:18:57,483 --> 00:18:59,181 AMANDA: But then, fate intervenes. 346 00:18:59,311 --> 00:19:01,966 There's a storm and snow fills up the trenches 347 00:19:02,096 --> 00:19:04,882 so that Spartacus and his men are able to escape the walls 348 00:19:05,012 --> 00:19:07,363 and make one desperate last stand against the Romans. 349 00:19:08,886 --> 00:19:10,322 [wind howling] 350 00:19:10,453 --> 00:19:12,542 [water trickling] 351 00:19:16,110 --> 00:19:19,026 NARRATOR: But Crassus' force decisively defeats 352 00:19:19,157 --> 00:19:20,898 the weak and hungry gladiators. 353 00:19:21,551 --> 00:19:23,205 [man groans] 354 00:19:23,335 --> 00:19:25,076 [armors clanking] 355 00:19:31,082 --> 00:19:32,910 [soldiers shouting] 356 00:19:33,563 --> 00:19:34,694 [man grunts] 357 00:19:37,958 --> 00:19:39,960 It's probably during the Spartacus War, 358 00:19:40,091 --> 00:19:42,963 that Crassus and Caesar become allies, 359 00:19:43,094 --> 00:19:44,922 perhaps even close friends. 360 00:19:46,837 --> 00:19:50,406 This is a relationship that's going to last 20 years. 361 00:19:58,675 --> 00:20:00,154 PATRICK WYMAN: At the end of the Spartacus War, 362 00:20:00,285 --> 00:20:02,331 Caesar has two things going for him. 363 00:20:02,461 --> 00:20:04,333 He has a reputation for military accomplishment 364 00:20:04,463 --> 00:20:05,943 and he has the backing 365 00:20:06,073 --> 00:20:07,684 of the richest man in Rome, Crassus. 366 00:20:07,814 --> 00:20:09,251 That's a great basis 367 00:20:09,381 --> 00:20:10,382 on which to build a political career. 368 00:20:11,165 --> 00:20:12,602 The slave army... 369 00:20:13,820 --> 00:20:15,909 - is defeated! - [crowd applauding] 370 00:20:16,040 --> 00:20:18,912 NARRATOR: But it takes more than money to succeed in Rome. 371 00:20:21,088 --> 00:20:25,310 The gladiator rebellion has been crushed! 372 00:20:25,441 --> 00:20:28,487 Apart from Crassus, the other man who vies for the title 373 00:20:28,618 --> 00:20:31,403 of the most powerful man in Rome at this time is Pompey. 374 00:20:32,970 --> 00:20:35,581 ADAM: While Crassus decisively defeated Spartacus 375 00:20:35,712 --> 00:20:37,409 at the Battle of Silarius River, 376 00:20:37,540 --> 00:20:39,237 Pompey is able to wipe up 377 00:20:39,368 --> 00:20:42,893 a few scattered remains of Spartacus' army, 378 00:20:43,023 --> 00:20:47,027 he thus gets the opportunity to claim victory for himself. 379 00:20:47,158 --> 00:20:50,292 Pompey once had the nickname "The adolescent butcher" 380 00:20:50,422 --> 00:20:52,424 for his ruthlessness, 381 00:20:52,555 --> 00:20:55,122 and now he's taken on this title "Magnus," 382 00:20:55,253 --> 00:20:58,343 which means "The Great," same as "Alexander The Great." 383 00:20:58,474 --> 00:21:00,650 Now Pompey is a brilliant general 384 00:21:00,780 --> 00:21:03,435 but he's a little bit of a glory junkie, 385 00:21:03,566 --> 00:21:06,351 he's always looking for his next hit of fame, 386 00:21:06,482 --> 00:21:08,179 even if it wasn't entirely earned. 387 00:21:13,010 --> 00:21:14,490 "Pompey the Great." 388 00:21:15,229 --> 00:21:18,450 Great at stealing credit for other men's victories. 389 00:21:18,581 --> 00:21:20,887 Glory is for generals, Crassus, 390 00:21:21,018 --> 00:21:22,628 not money-lenders. 391 00:21:22,759 --> 00:21:24,326 Generals? 392 00:21:24,456 --> 00:21:27,329 You feed on my glory like a parasite. 393 00:21:29,505 --> 00:21:31,507 AARON: Pompey and Crassus hated each other 394 00:21:31,637 --> 00:21:33,160 from the moment they first met. 395 00:21:33,291 --> 00:21:35,859 Crassus saw Pompey 396 00:21:35,989 --> 00:21:38,427 as someone who was undeserving of the glory 397 00:21:38,557 --> 00:21:40,516 and credit he had received, 398 00:21:40,646 --> 00:21:43,475 while Crassus had been denied those same honors. 399 00:21:44,084 --> 00:21:46,173 Pompey saw in Crassus, 400 00:21:46,304 --> 00:21:50,439 really, the only major threat to Pompey's exultation. 401 00:21:51,178 --> 00:21:52,876 PATRICK: The rivalry between Pompey and Crassus 402 00:21:53,006 --> 00:21:54,791 defines Roman politics at this point in time, 403 00:21:54,921 --> 00:21:56,706 that makes things very difficult for Caesar 404 00:21:56,836 --> 00:21:58,969 because he can't afford to offend either one of them. 405 00:21:59,099 --> 00:22:02,189 A wrong step here could halt his political career for good. 406 00:22:03,626 --> 00:22:06,019 NARRATOR: Back in Rome, for the next two years, 407 00:22:06,150 --> 00:22:09,066 Caesar focuses on building up his public reputation. 408 00:22:10,807 --> 00:22:12,896 What he wants is a chance to enter political office... 409 00:22:16,943 --> 00:22:18,728 but as Caesar turns thirty-one... 410 00:22:20,469 --> 00:22:21,992 he faces a personal tragedy. 411 00:22:22,122 --> 00:22:24,124 [wind howling] 412 00:22:24,255 --> 00:22:26,910 [somber music playing] 413 00:22:40,576 --> 00:22:42,273 AMANDA: In the summer of 69 BC, 414 00:22:42,404 --> 00:22:44,231 two years after Spartacus' revolt, 415 00:22:44,362 --> 00:22:46,146 his wife, Cornelia, dies. 416 00:22:47,147 --> 00:22:49,715 We can't be sure exactly how but there's a very good theory 417 00:22:49,846 --> 00:22:51,456 that it may have been childbirth, 418 00:22:51,587 --> 00:22:53,284 which did kill up to a third of women. 419 00:22:55,982 --> 00:22:58,637 Given that Caesar refused 420 00:22:58,768 --> 00:23:02,815 to divorce Cornelia for Sulla 421 00:23:02,946 --> 00:23:06,602 and given how long their marriage lasted, 422 00:23:06,732 --> 00:23:08,517 I think it's safe to assume 423 00:23:08,647 --> 00:23:12,129 that he had a great deal of affection for Cornelia. 424 00:23:14,958 --> 00:23:18,352 Caesar decides to give her a public funeral. 425 00:23:19,266 --> 00:23:20,659 Now this is something that generally 426 00:23:20,790 --> 00:23:23,619 was not done for Roman women. 427 00:23:24,533 --> 00:23:27,405 In Roman tradition, funerals were a way 428 00:23:27,536 --> 00:23:30,582 of displaying everything that your family had done 429 00:23:30,713 --> 00:23:32,236 on behalf of the Roman state. 430 00:23:32,366 --> 00:23:37,502 ♪ 431 00:23:38,938 --> 00:23:42,159 Cornelia's death is a blow to Caesar's ambitions, 432 00:23:42,289 --> 00:23:45,118 he loses her connections to a powerful family. 433 00:23:47,686 --> 00:23:49,949 But Caesar also turns his personal tragedy 434 00:23:50,080 --> 00:23:51,473 into a political opportunity. 435 00:23:55,651 --> 00:23:59,089 Upon dying, Romans would have a mask 436 00:23:59,219 --> 00:24:00,656 made of their remains. 437 00:24:01,787 --> 00:24:03,354 During a funeral, 438 00:24:03,485 --> 00:24:06,183 those masks would be worn by performers. 439 00:24:07,097 --> 00:24:10,404 Caesar displays masks of his ancestors, 440 00:24:10,535 --> 00:24:13,495 his uncle, Marius, and his father-in-law, Cinna. 441 00:24:14,452 --> 00:24:16,715 And even though Sulla is dead, 442 00:24:16,846 --> 00:24:19,501 displaying the masks of his opponents 443 00:24:19,631 --> 00:24:21,328 is still illegal. 444 00:24:23,548 --> 00:24:25,507 So, this is a political statement, 445 00:24:25,637 --> 00:24:27,204 Caesar is saying, 446 00:24:27,334 --> 00:24:30,033 "It's okay to be a populare again." 447 00:24:30,860 --> 00:24:33,297 NARRATOR: Caesar's actions are an affront to the optimates... 448 00:24:34,516 --> 00:24:36,648 the faction that still holds power in Rome. 449 00:24:37,954 --> 00:24:40,870 This man holds up his ancestors to be heroes. 450 00:24:42,480 --> 00:24:44,656 They were outlaws and rebels... 451 00:24:45,744 --> 00:24:47,224 enemies to the Republic. 452 00:24:49,443 --> 00:24:52,795 Cato will become Caesar's greatest enemy. 453 00:24:52,925 --> 00:24:56,538 He's a key leader of the political conservatives, 454 00:24:56,668 --> 00:24:58,714 a member of the optimates. 455 00:25:02,544 --> 00:25:03,849 You should hang your head in shame... 456 00:25:06,504 --> 00:25:08,550 your uncle and father-in-law lost the war. 457 00:25:09,942 --> 00:25:12,205 ADRIAN: Cato loathes Julius Caesar. 458 00:25:12,336 --> 00:25:13,685 It's even stronger than hate, 459 00:25:13,816 --> 00:25:16,558 he bitterly detests this man. 460 00:25:17,733 --> 00:25:20,170 They are both highly ambitious men, 461 00:25:20,300 --> 00:25:22,651 who wish to rise to the top of Roman society. 462 00:25:22,781 --> 00:25:27,743 ♪ 463 00:25:40,843 --> 00:25:42,932 My name is Gaius Julius Caesar. 464 00:25:45,325 --> 00:25:46,588 I've come here... 465 00:25:48,198 --> 00:25:49,591 to honor my wife. 466 00:25:50,809 --> 00:25:52,115 I've also come here... 467 00:25:53,899 --> 00:25:56,554 to make a promise to you all. 468 00:25:57,424 --> 00:26:00,950 For Caesar, this funeral oration is a political awakening. 469 00:26:02,255 --> 00:26:05,345 CAESAR: My family has the sanctity of kings. 470 00:26:06,129 --> 00:26:08,914 He's asserting, that his family, the Julii, 471 00:26:09,045 --> 00:26:12,135 an old and noble family, deserve to be treated 472 00:26:12,265 --> 00:26:15,094 with the same respect as all of Rome's leading families. 473 00:26:15,965 --> 00:26:19,185 But more than this, I am one of you. 474 00:26:19,316 --> 00:26:21,144 [crowd cheering] 475 00:26:21,274 --> 00:26:22,972 - A Roman. - ALL: Yes! 476 00:26:24,277 --> 00:26:27,977 There are too many men running this city 477 00:26:28,107 --> 00:26:30,066 who are only out for themselves. 478 00:26:30,588 --> 00:26:32,372 He announces that 479 00:26:32,503 --> 00:26:35,462 he is going to try to move forward, 480 00:26:35,593 --> 00:26:38,335 to make things better for the ordinary people of Rome. 481 00:26:38,465 --> 00:26:40,642 - Join me... - ALL: Yes! 482 00:26:40,772 --> 00:26:42,165 ...and I will show you... 483 00:26:43,688 --> 00:26:45,559 what we can do together. 484 00:26:45,690 --> 00:26:47,649 [crowd cheering] 485 00:26:48,954 --> 00:26:50,782 And he doesn't care who stands in his way, 486 00:26:50,913 --> 00:26:53,089 his political aspirations have never become clearer. 487 00:26:53,219 --> 00:26:55,744 [fire crackling] 488 00:26:55,874 --> 00:27:00,836 ♪ 489 00:27:09,714 --> 00:27:12,848 g] 490 00:27:12,978 --> 00:27:15,807 [overlapping conversation] 491 00:27:15,938 --> 00:27:18,636 Within months of his wife, Cornelia's death, 492 00:27:18,767 --> 00:27:21,247 Caesar has raised enough political support 493 00:27:21,378 --> 00:27:22,814 to become a senator. 494 00:27:28,211 --> 00:27:30,996 ADAM: One of the ways one becomes a senator in Rome, 495 00:27:31,127 --> 00:27:33,346 is by being elected to one of the junior positions 496 00:27:33,477 --> 00:27:34,913 on the cursus honorum. 497 00:27:35,044 --> 00:27:37,568 This is how Caesar becomes a senator. 498 00:27:37,699 --> 00:27:40,832 In Caesar's day, there are about 600 senators. 499 00:27:40,963 --> 00:27:43,269 Now the word "senate" comes from the word "senex," 500 00:27:43,400 --> 00:27:45,271 which means old or wise man 501 00:27:45,402 --> 00:27:47,186 and this fits the Senate to the "T". 502 00:27:48,492 --> 00:27:51,234 They are the oldest, wisest, but really what they are, 503 00:27:51,364 --> 00:27:53,236 is the most powerful men in Rome. 504 00:27:54,890 --> 00:27:56,413 Julius Caesar. 505 00:27:57,893 --> 00:27:59,329 Senators. 506 00:27:59,459 --> 00:28:01,984 I think that Caesar, in many ways, 507 00:28:02,114 --> 00:28:04,334 was very idealistic. 508 00:28:05,204 --> 00:28:07,380 He really wants to bring about change to Rome, 509 00:28:07,511 --> 00:28:09,426 to lift up the poor people, 510 00:28:09,556 --> 00:28:11,863 I think he really does want to do good 511 00:28:11,994 --> 00:28:13,560 for the Roman Republic. 512 00:28:14,344 --> 00:28:16,912 Young Caesar often backs idealistic, 513 00:28:17,042 --> 00:28:19,305 popular causes and this seems 514 00:28:19,436 --> 00:28:22,874 like a dashing rebellion against the establishment 515 00:28:23,005 --> 00:28:24,702 but in fact, popular causes 516 00:28:24,833 --> 00:28:26,922 are a well-known route to power. 517 00:28:28,314 --> 00:28:30,926 Every decision he makes as a young man, 518 00:28:31,056 --> 00:28:35,147 is designed to cement his image as a supporter of the people. 519 00:28:35,974 --> 00:28:37,889 Once you're elected into the Senate, 520 00:28:38,020 --> 00:28:40,805 you're there for life, like the US Supreme Court Justices. 521 00:28:40,936 --> 00:28:43,025 However, you could lose your seat. 522 00:28:44,026 --> 00:28:46,115 One of the ways is if you have to declare bankruptcy. 523 00:28:46,245 --> 00:28:48,204 Politicians were not paid, 524 00:28:48,334 --> 00:28:51,076 not only would they be spending on their campaign funds 525 00:28:51,207 --> 00:28:52,643 but they would be expected 526 00:28:52,774 --> 00:28:54,732 to cover civic infrastructure projects. 527 00:28:54,863 --> 00:28:56,952 So, they might have to repair bridges or roads. 528 00:29:00,042 --> 00:29:02,000 PHILIP FREEMAN: Caesar is not a wealthy man 529 00:29:02,131 --> 00:29:04,611 when he begins his career in politics, 530 00:29:04,742 --> 00:29:06,613 he runs up tremendous debts. 531 00:29:06,744 --> 00:29:10,922 By 64 BC, Caesar is in so much debt 532 00:29:11,053 --> 00:29:12,532 that two of his fellow politicians 533 00:29:12,663 --> 00:29:14,099 have actually gone bankrupt, 534 00:29:14,230 --> 00:29:16,101 just trying to keep pace with him. 535 00:29:17,363 --> 00:29:18,669 NARRATOR: As Caesar's debt balloons... 536 00:29:19,931 --> 00:29:23,021 five years into his career as a senator, 537 00:29:23,152 --> 00:29:25,502 he decides to stage gladiatorial games for the city. 538 00:29:27,330 --> 00:29:28,810 This is an incredible opportunity 539 00:29:28,940 --> 00:29:30,724 to display his generosity. 540 00:29:30,855 --> 00:29:32,770 [swords clanking] 541 00:29:32,901 --> 00:29:34,685 NARRATOR: Caesar scours gladiator schools across Italy. 542 00:29:35,686 --> 00:29:36,774 Their best fighters. 543 00:29:36,905 --> 00:29:38,994 [swords clanking] 544 00:29:39,124 --> 00:29:40,386 ROBERT CARGILL: Caesar wants to put on 545 00:29:40,517 --> 00:29:42,301 the biggest show in Rome's history 546 00:29:42,432 --> 00:29:44,260 but gladiators don't come cheap 547 00:29:44,390 --> 00:29:46,523 and Caesar needs some extra financial help. 548 00:29:48,612 --> 00:29:50,614 PATRICK: At this point, Caesar owes somewhere 549 00:29:50,744 --> 00:29:53,530 in the range of 31 million sesterces. 550 00:29:53,660 --> 00:29:55,837 That's over $100 million in today's money. 551 00:29:57,839 --> 00:30:00,711 It means every Roman creditor is on the lookout for Caesar. 552 00:30:02,234 --> 00:30:04,019 They know his name, they know what he owes. 553 00:30:06,108 --> 00:30:08,588 As Caesar's debts continue to rise, 554 00:30:08,719 --> 00:30:11,156 his creditors become more and more impatient 555 00:30:11,287 --> 00:30:14,551 and there's only one man in Rome who can bail him out. 556 00:30:15,595 --> 00:30:18,860 - Caesar, you wanted to see me? - Crassus, thank you for coming. 557 00:30:20,731 --> 00:30:22,646 One of my creditors, 558 00:30:22,776 --> 00:30:24,169 they're threatening me with court. 559 00:30:26,606 --> 00:30:27,694 What's your plan? 560 00:30:29,566 --> 00:30:31,481 I've been thinking, 561 00:30:31,611 --> 00:30:33,570 perhaps you can help. 562 00:30:35,311 --> 00:30:36,573 I've never lost an election... 563 00:30:38,053 --> 00:30:40,664 if I was in your debt instead of theirs, 564 00:30:40,794 --> 00:30:42,361 think of what you'd get back on your investment. 565 00:30:45,538 --> 00:30:48,890 If I do this, I own you. 566 00:30:49,803 --> 00:30:51,196 You do know what that means. 567 00:30:51,327 --> 00:30:53,329 For you, it means influence, favor-- 568 00:30:53,459 --> 00:30:57,550 For you, it means every single decision you face, 569 00:30:57,681 --> 00:31:00,597 your first thought will not be, "How does this benefit Caesar?" 570 00:31:01,511 --> 00:31:03,600 But, "How does this benefit Crassus?" 571 00:31:04,296 --> 00:31:07,038 You lose an election, even once... 572 00:31:08,605 --> 00:31:10,737 I will gut you for everything you own. 573 00:31:12,478 --> 00:31:13,566 I know the risks. 574 00:31:15,220 --> 00:31:17,657 Caesar asks for Crassus to essentially be 575 00:31:17,788 --> 00:31:21,009 the guarantor on his loans, 576 00:31:21,139 --> 00:31:24,099 but in return, Caesar will become Crassus' man. 577 00:31:29,887 --> 00:31:32,498 AMANDA: This is an extremely risky move from Caesar. 578 00:31:32,629 --> 00:31:34,500 He's gambling here that he will get high enough 579 00:31:34,631 --> 00:31:36,154 on Rome's political ladder 580 00:31:36,285 --> 00:31:37,939 that he will be able to pay Crassus back. 581 00:31:39,853 --> 00:31:41,899 If he loses the next election, 582 00:31:42,030 --> 00:31:43,814 he could be looking at making an enemy 583 00:31:43,945 --> 00:31:46,077 of one of Rome's most powerful men 584 00:31:46,208 --> 00:31:48,253 and an effective end to his political career. 585 00:31:53,041 --> 00:31:54,956 CAESAR: The time has come for us to choose. 586 00:31:55,086 --> 00:31:56,174 ADAM: For the next several years, 587 00:31:56,305 --> 00:31:58,133 Caesar and Crassus are both 588 00:31:58,263 --> 00:32:01,266 political allies and economic partners. 589 00:32:01,397 --> 00:32:04,095 Caesar has to rise for Crassus to be paid back, 590 00:32:04,226 --> 00:32:07,881 and now, only one office remains for Caesar to take, 591 00:32:08,012 --> 00:32:09,144 the consulship. 592 00:32:09,971 --> 00:32:12,147 When the Romans got rid of their kings, 593 00:32:12,277 --> 00:32:15,237 they replaced them with the consuls. 594 00:32:15,367 --> 00:32:18,588 So the consuls acted as the commander-in-chief 595 00:32:18,718 --> 00:32:20,807 of the Roman military. 596 00:32:20,938 --> 00:32:23,810 They were proposing all bills to the Senate, 597 00:32:23,941 --> 00:32:27,162 the consuls also acted as the chief judicial officer. 598 00:32:27,292 --> 00:32:29,468 They were the ones who passed judgement 599 00:32:29,599 --> 00:32:31,340 and who executed punishments. 600 00:32:32,254 --> 00:32:34,343 Caesar is now 40 years old, 601 00:32:34,473 --> 00:32:37,520 which is the youngest anyone can get elected to the consulship. 602 00:32:37,650 --> 00:32:40,088 The consulship is the high point 603 00:32:40,218 --> 00:32:42,090 of any Roman's career. 604 00:32:42,220 --> 00:32:44,396 This is the position that Caesar has been 605 00:32:44,527 --> 00:32:47,878 preparing to take his entire life. 606 00:32:49,358 --> 00:32:52,622 NARRATOR: But Caesar's route to the consulship is not easy. 607 00:32:54,102 --> 00:32:55,799 NICOLA DENZEY LEWIS: Rome's two most powerful men, 608 00:32:55,929 --> 00:32:58,454 Crassus and Pompey, hate each other 609 00:32:58,584 --> 00:33:00,717 and they've spent years fighting each other. 610 00:33:07,767 --> 00:33:08,942 AARON: Running for the consulship, 611 00:33:09,073 --> 00:33:11,336 Caesar is now part 612 00:33:11,467 --> 00:33:13,773 of Crassus' faction. 613 00:33:13,904 --> 00:33:16,298 Which means, Pompey's supporters 614 00:33:16,428 --> 00:33:18,169 will be gunning for him. 615 00:33:19,257 --> 00:33:21,129 He has to find some sort of middle ground 616 00:33:21,259 --> 00:33:22,956 that will allow him to be elected. 617 00:33:23,087 --> 00:33:28,223 ♪ 618 00:33:36,883 --> 00:33:38,146 PATRICK: But Caesar is an incredibly savvy 619 00:33:38,276 --> 00:33:39,408 political operator. 620 00:33:41,845 --> 00:33:43,890 Roman politics is a snake pit 621 00:33:44,021 --> 00:33:46,806 and Caesar navigates it with incredible dexterity. 622 00:33:46,937 --> 00:33:48,678 [thunder rumbling] 623 00:33:48,808 --> 00:33:51,072 [footsteps approaching] 624 00:33:58,296 --> 00:34:00,255 - Pompey, thank you for coming. - Why the secrecy? 625 00:34:04,607 --> 00:34:06,304 I'm not interested in playing games. 626 00:34:06,435 --> 00:34:08,915 Stop, please, 627 00:34:09,046 --> 00:34:10,613 just hear what I have to say. 628 00:34:13,181 --> 00:34:15,705 You two should be the most powerful men in Rome, 629 00:34:15,835 --> 00:34:18,969 but you put all of your energy into fighting each other. 630 00:34:20,884 --> 00:34:22,799 What if, instead, 631 00:34:22,929 --> 00:34:26,629 you worked for each other? 632 00:34:28,109 --> 00:34:29,153 Why would we? 633 00:34:29,719 --> 00:34:31,677 Back me to become consul 634 00:34:31,808 --> 00:34:34,811 and I'll make sure the Senate works for you. 635 00:34:36,943 --> 00:34:38,119 The three of us. 636 00:34:39,642 --> 00:34:42,123 [chuckles] We'd be invincible. 637 00:34:43,428 --> 00:34:45,126 Why should I trust you? 638 00:34:47,911 --> 00:34:49,391 I have one child, my daughter, 639 00:34:49,521 --> 00:34:52,002 she's everything to me. 640 00:34:53,917 --> 00:34:56,485 I offer her to you... 641 00:34:57,355 --> 00:34:59,009 as your wife. 642 00:35:00,271 --> 00:35:01,664 We'd be bonded in blood... 643 00:35:03,361 --> 00:35:04,319 family. 644 00:35:08,845 --> 00:35:11,413 Pompey wants land for his ex-soldiers, 645 00:35:11,543 --> 00:35:13,763 he hasn't been able to get that through the Senate. 646 00:35:13,893 --> 00:35:16,722 Crassus wants financial support for his tax-collectors, 647 00:35:16,853 --> 00:35:18,942 he hasn't been able to get that through, 648 00:35:19,072 --> 00:35:21,031 and Caesar, of course, wants to be consul. 649 00:35:22,946 --> 00:35:25,035 [thunder rumbling] 650 00:35:28,734 --> 00:35:30,345 Caesar is basically gambling here, 651 00:35:30,475 --> 00:35:32,825 that all three men are self-interested enough 652 00:35:32,956 --> 00:35:35,350 to put aside their personal beef and work together. 653 00:35:39,832 --> 00:35:42,357 [thunder rumbling] 654 00:35:44,185 --> 00:35:46,143 The secret deal that Caesar persuades 655 00:35:46,274 --> 00:35:49,538 Pompey and Crassus to agree to, is called the Triumvirate. 656 00:35:51,279 --> 00:35:53,672 It literally means "rule of three." 657 00:35:58,547 --> 00:36:01,158 Individually, they've all been able to get 658 00:36:01,289 --> 00:36:03,900 some of what they want, but never all of it. 659 00:36:05,510 --> 00:36:08,905 Together, they can dominate Roman politics... 660 00:36:10,689 --> 00:36:12,082 for years to come. 661 00:36:12,213 --> 00:36:19,829 ♪ 662 00:36:19,959 --> 00:36:23,354 Caesar immediately leans on his deal, 663 00:36:23,485 --> 00:36:26,009 with his fellow members of the Triumvirate, 664 00:36:26,139 --> 00:36:27,924 Crassus and Pompey, 665 00:36:28,054 --> 00:36:31,188 to make sure he's elected consul. 666 00:36:31,319 --> 00:36:34,017 The Triumvirate is an ideal arrangement. 667 00:36:34,147 --> 00:36:36,106 Caesar brings the political skill 668 00:36:36,237 --> 00:36:37,760 and dexterity, 669 00:36:37,890 --> 00:36:39,718 Pompey brings the muscle. 670 00:36:39,849 --> 00:36:43,156 Friends, the elections are coming 671 00:36:43,287 --> 00:36:46,986 and we are here to ensure that you vote for the right man. 672 00:36:47,944 --> 00:36:50,512 And Crassus? He brings the cold, hard cash. 673 00:36:51,426 --> 00:36:53,428 I was just glad I could offer help when you needed it. 674 00:36:54,124 --> 00:36:56,561 Now, it's my turn. 675 00:36:56,692 --> 00:37:00,130 PHILIP: Bribery was rampant in ancient Roman elections. 676 00:37:00,261 --> 00:37:02,132 CRASSUS: Cast your vote for Julius Caesar. 677 00:37:02,872 --> 00:37:04,482 You could buy votes 678 00:37:04,613 --> 00:37:06,702 and it was not even considered 679 00:37:06,832 --> 00:37:08,356 bad manners to do this. 680 00:37:09,748 --> 00:37:11,663 Caesar. 681 00:37:11,794 --> 00:37:13,970 Twenty-four votes and counting. 682 00:37:14,840 --> 00:37:15,885 Keep it up. 683 00:37:17,756 --> 00:37:18,888 NARRATOR: Voting is only for men... 684 00:37:21,499 --> 00:37:23,458 but this doesn't mean women carry no influence. 685 00:37:25,373 --> 00:37:27,853 After Cornelia's death, Caesar does remarry, 686 00:37:27,984 --> 00:37:31,204 but he is also known as a bit of womanizer. 687 00:37:31,335 --> 00:37:33,163 Servilia, Silanus, 688 00:37:33,294 --> 00:37:35,557 how lovely to see you both. 689 00:37:35,687 --> 00:37:37,689 CAITLIN: Servilia is Cato's sister, 690 00:37:37,820 --> 00:37:40,257 she also happens to be Caesar's mistress. 691 00:37:40,388 --> 00:37:42,607 They've been together for years, 692 00:37:42,738 --> 00:37:44,870 even though both of them are married. 693 00:37:45,001 --> 00:37:46,524 AMANDA: In addition to being Caesar's mistress, 694 00:37:46,655 --> 00:37:48,918 Servilia plays a very important role here, 695 00:37:49,048 --> 00:37:52,225 as a kind of back-channel negotiator of the ancient world. 696 00:37:52,356 --> 00:37:54,619 Senator, can I count on your support? 697 00:37:56,752 --> 00:37:58,014 Silanus will back you up. 698 00:37:59,624 --> 00:38:01,452 My brother's politics aren't ours. 699 00:38:04,499 --> 00:38:09,808 ♪ 700 00:38:13,943 --> 00:38:16,598 Candidates in Roman elections wore special togas, 701 00:38:16,728 --> 00:38:19,731 the toga candida, which means "bright white." 702 00:38:20,515 --> 00:38:22,908 A Roman who is wearing the toga candida 703 00:38:23,039 --> 00:38:26,172 was a candidatus, "one dressed in bright white." 704 00:38:26,303 --> 00:38:29,001 This is where we get our modern word "candidate." 705 00:38:30,263 --> 00:38:32,570 SIMON: Caesar is an extremely charismatic politician. 706 00:38:32,701 --> 00:38:35,094 He's attractive, he's witty. 707 00:38:35,225 --> 00:38:38,533 In fact, one could say that he has all the talents. 708 00:38:40,665 --> 00:38:43,929 There's a lot riding on this election day for you, Caesar, 709 00:38:44,060 --> 00:38:45,322 for all of us. 710 00:38:47,455 --> 00:38:49,544 We will see you later, at the victory party. 711 00:38:53,461 --> 00:38:56,812 And it had better be a victory party. 712 00:38:58,117 --> 00:39:00,293 The stakes could not be higher for Caesar, 713 00:39:00,424 --> 00:39:03,122 he literally cannot afford to lose this election. 714 00:39:03,253 --> 00:39:07,562 [applause] 715 00:39:09,781 --> 00:39:11,740 NARRATOR: But Caesar had no need to worry. 716 00:39:14,090 --> 00:39:16,179 The election day proves to be everything 717 00:39:16,309 --> 00:39:18,834 that Caesar could've wished for because he tops the ballot 718 00:39:18,964 --> 00:39:21,402 by a landslide, so he is elected consul. 719 00:39:23,926 --> 00:39:25,928 A consul's term is only one year, 720 00:39:26,058 --> 00:39:28,060 so if they want to get things done, 721 00:39:28,191 --> 00:39:30,889 they have to push them through, from the first day in office. 722 00:39:33,109 --> 00:39:35,894 Caesar now has to pay back his allies. 723 00:39:36,025 --> 00:39:38,941 The first law Caesar has to pass as consul, 724 00:39:39,071 --> 00:39:41,422 is a land bill that gives land 725 00:39:41,552 --> 00:39:43,293 to Pompey's veterans. 726 00:39:44,294 --> 00:39:47,428 The land is there to be farmed. 727 00:39:47,558 --> 00:39:49,517 The former soldiers of Pompey 728 00:39:49,647 --> 00:39:51,127 risked their lives for the Roman Republic 729 00:39:51,257 --> 00:39:53,216 but are now reduced to poverty. 730 00:39:53,346 --> 00:39:55,610 Pompey wants to give them farms as a reward. 731 00:39:56,524 --> 00:39:58,395 CAESAR: Should it not be given 732 00:39:58,526 --> 00:40:00,397 to destitute men 733 00:40:00,528 --> 00:40:03,748 who once fought for us all? 734 00:40:03,879 --> 00:40:05,054 [indistinct chatter] 735 00:40:08,274 --> 00:40:09,406 [clears throat] 736 00:40:10,755 --> 00:40:13,149 Cato, you wish to support my bill? 737 00:40:15,107 --> 00:40:18,459 PHILIP: Cato is one of the leading members 738 00:40:18,589 --> 00:40:21,026 of the optimates, "The Conservative." 739 00:40:21,157 --> 00:40:24,987 He is perhaps the most conservative man in Rome. 740 00:40:25,117 --> 00:40:28,207 Cato has a kind of personality cult going on. 741 00:40:28,338 --> 00:40:31,036 He has a very distinctive way of dress, 742 00:40:31,167 --> 00:40:34,866 what he imagines was the attire 743 00:40:34,997 --> 00:40:36,868 of the earliest leaders of Rome. 744 00:40:36,999 --> 00:40:40,002 He goes barefoot and even commando 745 00:40:40,132 --> 00:40:42,657 and he does this style himself as a man 746 00:40:42,787 --> 00:40:45,137 who is returning to simpler days 747 00:40:45,268 --> 00:40:47,531 but really what he's doing is representing the aims 748 00:40:47,662 --> 00:40:50,186 of a very small group of aristocrats. 749 00:40:50,316 --> 00:40:51,361 Consul. 750 00:40:52,754 --> 00:40:56,322 There is much to admire in this land bill. 751 00:40:56,758 --> 00:40:59,412 The hand is elegant, 752 00:40:59,543 --> 00:41:02,198 the papyrus is of the finest quality... 753 00:41:05,157 --> 00:41:08,334 but it would be a very grave mistake 754 00:41:08,465 --> 00:41:11,903 to set such a precedent at this point in time. 755 00:41:12,034 --> 00:41:14,602 Like senators in the United States today, 756 00:41:14,732 --> 00:41:17,996 Roman senators could effectively stop legislation 757 00:41:18,127 --> 00:41:19,476 simply by talking... 758 00:41:19,998 --> 00:41:22,305 And we are to obey. 759 00:41:22,435 --> 00:41:23,741 ...and talking... 760 00:41:23,872 --> 00:41:25,351 CATO: There are points aplenty 761 00:41:25,482 --> 00:41:26,962 that are wrong with this text. 762 00:41:27,092 --> 00:41:28,267 ...and talking. 763 00:41:28,920 --> 00:41:31,444 Cato is a master at the filibuster. 764 00:41:31,575 --> 00:41:35,492 How very, very tedious of Caesar... 765 00:41:35,623 --> 00:41:39,452 Cato's an obstructionist and he's trying to make sure 766 00:41:39,583 --> 00:41:42,804 that nothing that represents the aims of Caesar, 767 00:41:42,934 --> 00:41:45,763 Pompey and Crassus gets turned into law. 768 00:41:45,894 --> 00:41:48,157 Cato's opposition to Caesar's land bill 769 00:41:48,287 --> 00:41:50,942 isn't just political, it's also personal. 770 00:41:51,073 --> 00:41:54,816 These two guys really do not get on 771 00:41:54,946 --> 00:41:56,687 and that's made worse by the fact that Caesar 772 00:41:56,818 --> 00:41:59,255 is having this affair with Cato's sister. 773 00:41:59,385 --> 00:42:01,083 ...a waste of our time, senators. 774 00:42:01,213 --> 00:42:03,651 That's enough Cato. 775 00:42:08,525 --> 00:42:09,570 CATO: Maybe one-- what is this? 776 00:42:10,396 --> 00:42:11,484 What is this? 777 00:42:11,615 --> 00:42:13,704 [indistinct shouting] 778 00:42:13,835 --> 00:42:16,794 Let us give the honorable Senator 779 00:42:16,925 --> 00:42:20,189 some time alone to think about the land bill. 780 00:42:20,319 --> 00:42:23,845 Caesar sends attendants to manhandle Cato 781 00:42:23,975 --> 00:42:25,281 and lead him off towards the prison... 782 00:42:28,284 --> 00:42:30,634 hoping this will simply stop Cato in his tracks. 783 00:42:31,635 --> 00:42:34,290 Before I was so rudely interrupted. 784 00:42:38,207 --> 00:42:40,557 NICOLA: Caesar doesn't have the power to keep Cato there 785 00:42:40,688 --> 00:42:42,777 for very long, but he's broadcasting a message. 786 00:42:46,128 --> 00:42:49,740 He is not above using violence to get what it is that he wants, 787 00:42:49,871 --> 00:42:51,655 so he wields a very heavy stick 788 00:42:51,786 --> 00:42:54,310 and the optimates hate him for it. 789 00:42:58,531 --> 00:43:01,926 NARRATOR: Over the next year, Caesar, Pompey and Crassus 790 00:43:02,057 --> 00:43:04,320 resort to any means necessary, 791 00:43:04,450 --> 00:43:06,801 - legal and illegal... - [shouting] 792 00:43:06,931 --> 00:43:08,890 to push through their agenda. 793 00:43:10,282 --> 00:43:12,633 As it becomes less secret and more openly violent, 794 00:43:12,763 --> 00:43:14,983 the Triumvirate acquires a nickname, 795 00:43:15,113 --> 00:43:16,506 "The three-headed monster." 796 00:43:17,463 --> 00:43:20,075 Consuls can only serve one year in office, 797 00:43:20,205 --> 00:43:22,077 it's possible to serve another year 798 00:43:22,207 --> 00:43:23,426 but not consecutively. 799 00:43:24,688 --> 00:43:26,821 And so Caesar knows that his time 800 00:43:26,951 --> 00:43:28,866 is coming to an end and he needs a plan. 801 00:43:30,302 --> 00:43:33,001 With Caesar out of office, he will no longer have 802 00:43:33,131 --> 00:43:35,394 political immunity from prosecution. 803 00:43:35,525 --> 00:43:37,745 What Caesar's enemies really want to do 804 00:43:37,875 --> 00:43:40,356 is prosecute him for all of the crimes 805 00:43:40,486 --> 00:43:42,314 that he has committed in the last year. 806 00:43:43,098 --> 00:43:45,404 Caesar needs a way 807 00:43:45,535 --> 00:43:48,059 to extend his immunity, 808 00:43:48,190 --> 00:43:50,845 so that Cato and the optimates cannot charge him. 809 00:43:54,022 --> 00:43:55,414 CRASSUS: We don't have much more time 810 00:43:55,545 --> 00:43:57,373 with you as consul. 811 00:43:57,503 --> 00:43:59,070 What comes next? 812 00:43:59,201 --> 00:44:00,463 CAESAR: I've been working on something. 813 00:44:02,117 --> 00:44:05,686 I need [indistinct], one with a military command. 814 00:44:05,816 --> 00:44:07,688 How does that benefit us? 815 00:44:07,818 --> 00:44:10,516 It benefits us all. Slaves, gladiators, wealth. 816 00:44:11,169 --> 00:44:14,129 Everyone in Rome will know 817 00:44:14,259 --> 00:44:17,306 everything that's sent back is from the three of us. 818 00:44:17,436 --> 00:44:18,960 The people will love us. 819 00:44:19,090 --> 00:44:21,223 DOUG: Caesar's plan is to get a governorship 820 00:44:21,353 --> 00:44:22,964 with military responsibilities. 821 00:44:23,094 --> 00:44:25,096 He would be immune from prosecution, 822 00:44:25,227 --> 00:44:26,924 perhaps more importantly for Caesar is, 823 00:44:27,055 --> 00:44:30,406 he doesn't have military glory at a larger scale 824 00:44:30,536 --> 00:44:32,451 and that's what he would get if he became the governor 825 00:44:32,582 --> 00:44:34,758 and on top of that, he's terribly broke. 826 00:44:34,889 --> 00:44:37,065 It would be an opportunity to get himself out of debt. 827 00:44:37,761 --> 00:44:39,458 Where do you propose? 828 00:44:39,589 --> 00:44:44,028 ♪ 829 00:44:47,771 --> 00:44:50,034 NARRATOR: With help from Pompey and Crassus, 830 00:44:50,165 --> 00:44:53,342 Caesar secures the position as governor of Italian Gaul. 831 00:44:55,387 --> 00:44:58,086 Italian Gaul is the northern-most part 832 00:44:58,216 --> 00:45:00,349 of the Roman Republic. 833 00:45:00,479 --> 00:45:04,048 On the border between modern-day France and Italy. 834 00:45:04,179 --> 00:45:07,312 So while Italian Gaul is under Roman control, 835 00:45:07,443 --> 00:45:09,532 the rest of Gaul is a kind of wild, 836 00:45:09,662 --> 00:45:12,100 independent area that covers France, 837 00:45:12,230 --> 00:45:13,928 Belgium, the Netherlands, 838 00:45:14,058 --> 00:45:16,060 even up to the Rhine river in Germany. 839 00:45:16,191 --> 00:45:18,889 The Gauls don't have a single government like Rome. 840 00:45:19,020 --> 00:45:20,804 According to the Roman historian, Plutarch, 841 00:45:20,935 --> 00:45:22,937 there are actually about 300 tribes 842 00:45:23,067 --> 00:45:24,765 who are constantly at war with each other. 843 00:45:25,853 --> 00:45:28,203 Some are allies of Rome, some fight Rome, 844 00:45:28,333 --> 00:45:29,465 but they're not united. 845 00:45:31,641 --> 00:45:33,817 AMANDA: For Caesar, Gaul is not only a vast, 846 00:45:33,948 --> 00:45:35,601 untapped reserve of wealth, 847 00:45:35,732 --> 00:45:37,995 it's a powder-keg of warring tribes 848 00:45:38,126 --> 00:45:39,301 ready to explode. 849 00:45:40,041 --> 00:45:41,956 If he's able to conquer this territory, 850 00:45:42,086 --> 00:45:45,133 he could become the wealthiest, most powerful man in Rome. 851 00:45:46,917 --> 00:45:50,138 NARRATOR: but Caesar can't get involved militarily in Gaul 852 00:45:50,268 --> 00:45:51,139 without a pretext. 853 00:45:53,445 --> 00:45:54,707 CAESAR: So? 854 00:45:55,360 --> 00:45:57,580 Caesar's most important commander in Gaul 855 00:45:57,710 --> 00:46:00,583 is a talented general named Titus Labienus. 856 00:46:00,713 --> 00:46:03,020 Earlier in his career, he'd been associated with Pompey 857 00:46:03,151 --> 00:46:04,543 and now he's working with Caesar. 858 00:46:04,674 --> 00:46:06,763 An envoy from the Aedui, 859 00:46:06,894 --> 00:46:09,157 a border tribe and allies with Rome 860 00:46:09,287 --> 00:46:10,811 is begging for a meeting with you. 861 00:46:11,942 --> 00:46:13,509 Shall I send him away? 862 00:46:13,639 --> 00:46:14,640 Bring him in. 863 00:46:21,299 --> 00:46:22,344 Speak. 864 00:46:23,301 --> 00:46:25,477 We need Rome's protection. 865 00:46:26,522 --> 00:46:29,220 NARRATOR: Weeks after taking up his position as Governor, 866 00:46:29,351 --> 00:46:31,919 Caesar is approached by Gaul's ally to Rome, 867 00:46:32,049 --> 00:46:34,922 asking for help against another tribe, 868 00:46:35,052 --> 00:46:36,401 the Helvetii. 869 00:46:37,315 --> 00:46:40,318 The Helvetii are a tribe living in modern-day Switzerland 870 00:46:40,449 --> 00:46:42,103 but they're looking for somewhere else to go. 871 00:46:44,279 --> 00:46:45,715 ROBERT: As the Helvetii emigrate, 872 00:46:45,846 --> 00:46:47,238 they clash with other tribes. 873 00:46:47,369 --> 00:46:49,893 There's violence and there's death. 874 00:46:50,024 --> 00:46:52,069 Some of these tribes are allied to Rome. 875 00:46:52,200 --> 00:46:55,029 Those loyal tribes will come to Caesar seeking help. 876 00:46:56,204 --> 00:46:57,379 What do you think, Labienus? 877 00:46:58,946 --> 00:47:02,210 Are we not bound to help our allies? 878 00:47:03,776 --> 00:47:06,518 It becomes an opportunity for Caesar to engage militarily. 879 00:47:13,961 --> 00:47:16,224 [soldiers screaming] 880 00:47:16,354 --> 00:47:31,195 [swords clinking] 881 00:47:31,326 --> 00:47:34,764 [swords clinking] 882 00:47:36,766 --> 00:47:39,508 As the Helvetii continue their migration, 883 00:47:39,638 --> 00:47:41,423 Caesar intercepts. 884 00:47:47,472 --> 00:47:48,909 [whistling] 885 00:47:49,039 --> 00:47:50,432 WESLEY: In Gaul, Caesar is a predator. 886 00:47:52,564 --> 00:47:54,262 There's just no other way to describe it. 887 00:47:55,263 --> 00:47:56,394 [metal clinking] 888 00:47:57,526 --> 00:47:59,267 AMANDA: You have to think of the Helvetii 889 00:47:59,397 --> 00:48:02,661 as essentially refugees, looking for a new place to live. 890 00:48:02,792 --> 00:48:04,185 A great deal of their number 891 00:48:04,315 --> 00:48:05,621 would've been women and children. 892 00:48:09,712 --> 00:48:11,627 [swords clinking] 893 00:48:12,454 --> 00:48:15,805 [swords slicing] 894 00:48:17,633 --> 00:48:20,201 This really isn't a great military conquest 895 00:48:20,331 --> 00:48:23,247 on Caesar's part, so much as it is an atrocity... 896 00:48:25,684 --> 00:48:28,383 but Caesar is able to turn this into a story 897 00:48:28,513 --> 00:48:29,862 of a military victory, 898 00:48:29,993 --> 00:48:31,299 that helps make him popular in Rome. 899 00:48:37,392 --> 00:48:39,698 Having suppressed the Helvetii, 900 00:48:39,829 --> 00:48:43,006 one might expect that Caesar would leave Gaul 901 00:48:43,137 --> 00:48:45,356 and return to his Governor's province, 902 00:48:45,487 --> 00:48:48,794 in northern Italy, but Caesar has other ideas. 903 00:48:53,190 --> 00:48:55,279 They'll be impressed with our horde back in Italy. 904 00:48:55,410 --> 00:48:56,498 It'll have to wait. 905 00:48:58,326 --> 00:48:59,980 We can't stay here without permission from the Senate. 906 00:49:00,110 --> 00:49:03,244 There's been a new appeal from another ally, 907 00:49:03,374 --> 00:49:05,681 I think it's our duty to stay and help... 908 00:49:07,900 --> 00:49:10,555 and we don't need the approval of the Senate 909 00:49:10,686 --> 00:49:11,861 to do our duty. 910 00:49:13,732 --> 00:49:16,126 Just months after defeating the Helvetii, 911 00:49:16,257 --> 00:49:18,085 Caesar decides to go for broke, 912 00:49:18,215 --> 00:49:20,130 he wants all of Gaul. 913 00:49:22,306 --> 00:49:24,265 NICOLA: It's a huge gamble for Caesar. 914 00:49:24,395 --> 00:49:26,006 He's miles from home, 915 00:49:26,136 --> 00:49:28,965 the tribes outnumber his troops 916 00:49:29,096 --> 00:49:31,446 and he doesn't have proper supply lines for his army. 917 00:49:32,577 --> 00:49:35,537 And yet, for him, it's worth the gamble. 918 00:49:35,667 --> 00:49:37,147 [shouting] 919 00:49:38,496 --> 00:49:40,063 ADAM: Ceasar makes a Faustian pact. 920 00:49:40,194 --> 00:49:41,891 Stand tall. 921 00:49:42,022 --> 00:49:43,806 ADAM: To conquer Gaul, he raises troops 922 00:49:43,936 --> 00:49:45,808 from the local provincials in Italian Gaul. 923 00:49:45,938 --> 00:49:47,810 [indistinct] 924 00:49:47,940 --> 00:49:49,290 ADAM: But he does it without the Senate's permission. 925 00:49:49,420 --> 00:49:51,161 Eyes forward... 926 00:49:51,857 --> 00:49:53,468 DOUG: When Rome would raise a legion, 927 00:49:53,598 --> 00:49:55,078 they would swear allegiance to Rome. 928 00:49:55,209 --> 00:49:56,384 ...as one. 929 00:49:56,514 --> 00:49:58,255 When Caesar raises them, 930 00:49:58,386 --> 00:49:59,909 to whom do they swear allegiance? 931 00:50:00,040 --> 00:50:01,737 One could argue it's to Julius Caesar. 932 00:50:03,739 --> 00:50:05,480 As he raises these legions, 933 00:50:05,610 --> 00:50:08,657 to pay for them, he must conquer parts of Gaul. 934 00:50:08,787 --> 00:50:09,745 It forces him forward. 935 00:50:12,965 --> 00:50:14,228 NARRATOR: Over the next four years... 936 00:50:16,273 --> 00:50:18,580 Caesar conquers huge parts of Gaul. 937 00:50:22,801 --> 00:50:25,282 Caesar's a divide and conquer strategist. 938 00:50:25,413 --> 00:50:27,110 He figures out who the opposition is... 939 00:50:27,241 --> 00:50:29,025 Now! 940 00:50:29,156 --> 00:50:31,419 ...he makes alliances with some tribes... 941 00:50:32,463 --> 00:50:34,552 [soldiers shouting] 942 00:50:35,553 --> 00:50:37,642 ...and he calls other tribes his enemies. 943 00:50:37,773 --> 00:50:39,601 [shouting] 944 00:50:39,731 --> 00:50:41,907 He brings the friendly tribes to bear 945 00:50:42,038 --> 00:50:43,692 against the enemy tribes, 946 00:50:43,822 --> 00:50:45,215 then he turns on the friendly tribes. 947 00:50:45,998 --> 00:50:47,435 [shouting] 948 00:50:48,262 --> 00:50:50,960 WESLEY: He's clever, he's charming and he's ruthless. 949 00:50:52,788 --> 00:50:55,530 Along the way, he will be careful to manage 950 00:50:55,660 --> 00:50:57,227 the narrative that gets back to Rome. 951 00:50:58,446 --> 00:51:01,449 CAESAR: Caesar encouraged the men personally. 952 00:51:02,232 --> 00:51:05,192 Ordering the men to open ranks 953 00:51:05,322 --> 00:51:07,368 so they might use their swords more easily. 954 00:51:08,760 --> 00:51:12,503 "Omnia Gallia, in tres partes divida est", 955 00:51:13,243 --> 00:51:15,811 All Gaul is divided into three parts. 956 00:51:15,941 --> 00:51:19,684 It's the famous opening line of Caesar's Gallic Commentaries. 957 00:51:20,772 --> 00:51:22,731 CAESAR: His bravery gave the men fresh hope. 958 00:51:24,211 --> 00:51:27,170 Caesar manages the narrative of the Gallic War back in Rome 959 00:51:27,301 --> 00:51:29,477 in a way that's absolutely classic. 960 00:51:29,607 --> 00:51:32,958 Every man was eager to do well 961 00:51:33,089 --> 00:51:36,266 in his commander's sight. 962 00:51:36,397 --> 00:51:39,356 BARRY: He does so by writing his own history. 963 00:51:39,487 --> 00:51:41,793 CAESAR: Caesar realized the outcome... 964 00:51:43,099 --> 00:51:44,187 was on a knife-edge. 965 00:51:45,232 --> 00:51:47,103 BARRY: But Caesar turns it into something new, 966 00:51:47,234 --> 00:51:48,670 exciting, even cinematic. 967 00:51:50,106 --> 00:51:51,803 He snatched a shield... 968 00:51:53,588 --> 00:51:55,851 from a soldier at the rear... 969 00:51:57,548 --> 00:51:59,159 and walked straight to the front line. 970 00:51:59,898 --> 00:52:01,639 And his reports are read 971 00:52:01,770 --> 00:52:04,425 to the people of Italy in public, year after year, 972 00:52:04,555 --> 00:52:06,731 glorifying Caesar's achievements in Gaul. 973 00:52:07,689 --> 00:52:10,039 "So he snatched a shield from a soldier in the rear, 974 00:52:10,170 --> 00:52:11,693 "made his way to the front line." 975 00:52:13,260 --> 00:52:14,913 CLIFFORD ANDO: It's almost indescribably 976 00:52:15,044 --> 00:52:17,133 persuasive language. 977 00:52:17,264 --> 00:52:19,570 He was an extraordinary master of writing. 978 00:52:19,701 --> 00:52:22,269 Modern politicians would love to email CNN 979 00:52:22,399 --> 00:52:24,749 or Fox News their version of events 980 00:52:24,880 --> 00:52:26,447 and have those news media sources 981 00:52:26,577 --> 00:52:28,579 present them completely uncritically. 982 00:52:29,711 --> 00:52:32,017 For Caesar, this is what the Commentaries are. 983 00:52:33,193 --> 00:52:36,892 Caesar is also building up his defense, 984 00:52:37,022 --> 00:52:39,721 he knows that he has broken Roman law. 985 00:52:41,592 --> 00:52:43,855 And so it is from Caesar's Commentaries 986 00:52:43,986 --> 00:52:46,293 that we get his excuse 987 00:52:46,423 --> 00:52:49,383 about defending Roman interests from the Helvetii. 988 00:52:51,080 --> 00:52:53,430 His defense of raising troops 989 00:52:53,561 --> 00:52:55,302 when he did not have the authority. 990 00:52:56,694 --> 00:52:59,393 Caesar's popularity with ordinary Romans grows 991 00:52:59,523 --> 00:53:01,525 with every report that he sends back. 992 00:53:01,656 --> 00:53:04,572 To them, he is the hero, defending the glory of Rome. 993 00:53:06,051 --> 00:53:07,966 NARRATOR: But amongst some Senators, 994 00:53:08,097 --> 00:53:10,491 his exploits raise serious concerns. 995 00:53:11,535 --> 00:53:14,234 Senators, what he is doing in Gaul 996 00:53:14,364 --> 00:53:16,236 is completely against the law! 997 00:53:17,759 --> 00:53:20,327 Cato is already making the argument 998 00:53:20,457 --> 00:53:22,894 that Caesar has violated Roman law. 999 00:53:23,025 --> 00:53:25,375 This is not war, this is crime! 1000 00:53:26,158 --> 00:53:29,510 That Caesar needs to be stripped of his command, 1001 00:53:29,640 --> 00:53:31,076 brought back to Rome to stand trial 1002 00:53:31,207 --> 00:53:32,991 to answer for his crimes. 1003 00:53:33,122 --> 00:53:35,429 His men are loyal only to him, 1004 00:53:35,559 --> 00:53:36,908 not to the Senate! 1005 00:53:37,039 --> 00:53:39,389 This is dangerous. 1006 00:53:39,520 --> 00:53:43,654 I move that Caesar be handed over to the Gauls 1007 00:53:43,785 --> 00:53:45,569 for them to pass judgement. 1008 00:53:45,700 --> 00:53:48,050 CROWD: Oh, no! No! 1009 00:53:48,180 --> 00:53:50,226 ADAM: Cato can't actually do anything 1010 00:53:50,357 --> 00:53:52,054 as long as Caesar is governor 1011 00:53:52,184 --> 00:53:53,795 and as long as he has the support 1012 00:53:53,925 --> 00:53:55,623 of Crassus and Pompey. 1013 00:53:55,753 --> 00:53:57,929 But if that situation should change, 1014 00:53:58,060 --> 00:54:00,149 then Cato can strike. 1015 00:54:00,280 --> 00:54:02,456 [birds chirping] 1016 00:54:06,764 --> 00:54:08,462 In 54 BC, 1017 00:54:08,592 --> 00:54:10,464 a new staff officer is sent out 1018 00:54:10,594 --> 00:54:12,640 to assist Caesar in Gaul. 1019 00:54:14,729 --> 00:54:16,296 He's a contact of Crassus'. 1020 00:54:18,776 --> 00:54:19,995 Mark Antony reporting, sir. 1021 00:54:23,303 --> 00:54:26,175 Mark Antony, Crassus' man, come in, come in. 1022 00:54:27,002 --> 00:54:29,309 Antony's a man who has real talent. 1023 00:54:29,439 --> 00:54:32,312 He's a warrior, also very astute 1024 00:54:32,442 --> 00:54:34,836 and he quickly becomes one of Caesar's key lieutenants. 1025 00:54:37,708 --> 00:54:38,666 Something wrong? 1026 00:54:41,712 --> 00:54:42,670 I have bad news from Rome. 1027 00:54:44,019 --> 00:54:45,020 It's your daughter. 1028 00:54:46,891 --> 00:54:47,979 She's passed. 1029 00:54:53,333 --> 00:54:55,291 Caesar suffers a personal tragedy 1030 00:54:55,422 --> 00:54:57,380 when news arrives that his daughter, Julia, 1031 00:54:57,511 --> 00:55:00,340 his only child, has died in childbirth. 1032 00:55:01,689 --> 00:55:05,127 Caesar is so utterly devastated 1033 00:55:05,257 --> 00:55:07,912 by the loss of his daughter, 1034 00:55:08,043 --> 00:55:11,220 by the loss of his last connection to Cornelia 1035 00:55:11,351 --> 00:55:14,266 that he will be haunted by nightmares 1036 00:55:14,397 --> 00:55:17,661 about Julia's death for the next decade. 1037 00:55:19,271 --> 00:55:21,056 Not only is this a personal tragedy, 1038 00:55:21,186 --> 00:55:23,363 it's also politically very dangerous, 1039 00:55:23,493 --> 00:55:25,582 because she had cemented the alliance with Pompey 1040 00:55:25,713 --> 00:55:27,279 and that was part of the gel 1041 00:55:27,410 --> 00:55:29,499 joining the Triumvirate together, 1042 00:55:29,630 --> 00:55:31,240 but all that has suddenly gone. 1043 00:55:33,198 --> 00:55:34,722 To make matters worse for Caesar, 1044 00:55:34,852 --> 00:55:36,898 not long after Julia's death, 1045 00:55:37,028 --> 00:55:39,030 Crassus is killed on a military expedition 1046 00:55:39,161 --> 00:55:40,249 in modern-day Iran. 1047 00:55:43,731 --> 00:55:45,515 The legend has it, that he was killed 1048 00:55:45,646 --> 00:55:48,300 by having molten gold poured down his throat 1049 00:55:48,431 --> 00:55:50,738 by an enemy who had heard of his love of money. 1050 00:55:52,435 --> 00:55:53,958 BARRY: The collapse of the Triumvirate 1051 00:55:54,089 --> 00:55:56,787 raises the stakes for Caesar in Gaul. 1052 00:55:56,918 --> 00:55:58,920 He realizes that when he comes back to Rome, 1053 00:55:59,050 --> 00:56:01,966 he will no longer have Pompey and Crassus watching his back. 1054 00:56:02,880 --> 00:56:05,883 He will be at the mercy of Cato and the optimates. 1055 00:56:07,450 --> 00:56:09,887 But if Caesar can win total victory in Gaul, 1056 00:56:10,018 --> 00:56:13,543 then maybe he can go home rich enough, popular enough, 1057 00:56:13,674 --> 00:56:16,285 powerful enough to avoid the attacks of his enemies. 1058 00:56:23,597 --> 00:56:25,599 NARRATOR: There is one obstacle to Caesar's plan. 1059 00:56:27,514 --> 00:56:30,038 The Gauls are not ready to give up just yet. 1060 00:56:30,995 --> 00:56:33,868 In 52 BC, a new threat emerges. 1061 00:56:33,998 --> 00:56:35,565 Vercingetorix. 1062 00:56:35,696 --> 00:56:38,481 Son of a chieftain, who is very charismatic, 1063 00:56:38,612 --> 00:56:41,353 he is intent on liberating his people 1064 00:56:41,484 --> 00:56:43,051 from Roman rule. 1065 00:56:43,181 --> 00:56:45,836 He brings together a number of tribes, 1066 00:56:45,967 --> 00:56:48,273 to include some that had already 1067 00:56:48,404 --> 00:56:50,101 pledged allegiance to Rome. 1068 00:56:50,754 --> 00:56:54,149 Caesar and his army came here as our allies. 1069 00:56:56,673 --> 00:56:58,632 Now they try and stay as our conquerors. 1070 00:57:02,113 --> 00:57:03,811 This is our last chance... 1071 00:57:06,161 --> 00:57:07,292 to unite. 1072 00:57:10,252 --> 00:57:12,602 This is our last chance 1073 00:57:12,733 --> 00:57:15,997 to fight for our freedom! 1074 00:57:17,302 --> 00:57:19,783 What this does is it creates the worst nightmare 1075 00:57:19,914 --> 00:57:22,917 that Julius Caesar can face, a united enemy. 1076 00:57:23,047 --> 00:57:24,962 [Gauls chanting] 1077 00:57:25,093 --> 00:57:27,269 If Vercingetorix is able to rally 1078 00:57:27,399 --> 00:57:28,662 all the Gauls together... 1079 00:57:30,620 --> 00:57:32,666 they will outnumber Caesar's forces 1080 00:57:32,796 --> 00:57:34,363 by about ten to one. 1081 00:57:34,494 --> 00:57:36,191 The entire population of Gaul 1082 00:57:36,321 --> 00:57:38,672 is estimated to be about five million. 1083 00:57:38,802 --> 00:57:41,022 [rhythmic chanting] 1084 00:57:41,152 --> 00:57:44,721 This is a population that far outstrips 1085 00:57:44,852 --> 00:57:46,680 the army that Caesar has deployed, 1086 00:57:46,810 --> 00:57:50,422 and, in fact, would present a direct threat... 1087 00:57:50,553 --> 00:57:52,642 Who is with me? 1088 00:57:52,773 --> 00:57:55,515 ...to the Roman Empire itself. 1089 00:57:58,561 --> 00:58:03,610 ] 1090 00:58:03,740 --> 00:58:07,918 [soldiers shouting] 1091 00:58:08,049 --> 00:58:10,399 In the initial phases of his campaign against Caesar, 1092 00:58:10,530 --> 00:58:12,880 Vercingetorix's strategy seems to consist 1093 00:58:13,010 --> 00:58:15,099 of denying supplies to Caesar 1094 00:58:15,230 --> 00:58:17,275 through a scorched-earth strategy 1095 00:58:17,406 --> 00:58:19,277 whilst fighting an informal guerilla war. 1096 00:58:20,540 --> 00:58:22,193 Using the terrain and their local knowledge 1097 00:58:22,324 --> 00:58:23,934 to their advantage. 1098 00:58:24,065 --> 00:58:26,458 Vercingetorix fights Caesar for six months 1099 00:58:26,589 --> 00:58:29,331 until finally, he brings things to a head 1100 00:58:29,461 --> 00:58:30,898 at a place called Alesia. 1101 00:58:37,644 --> 00:58:39,907 Vercingetorix is aware 1102 00:58:40,037 --> 00:58:42,692 that he needs to make a stand at Alesia 1103 00:58:42,823 --> 00:58:46,870 because the guerilla warfare is not enough to defeat Caesar. 1104 00:58:47,001 --> 00:58:49,220 He needs to find a way to have a decisive battle. 1105 00:58:51,745 --> 00:58:52,702 CAESAR: Well? 1106 00:58:54,356 --> 00:58:56,401 The city walls are made of stone. 1107 00:58:56,532 --> 00:58:57,968 We can't burn them down. 1108 00:58:59,143 --> 00:59:01,015 And if we try to break through them, 1109 00:59:01,145 --> 00:59:02,451 it will cost us thousands of men. 1110 00:59:04,801 --> 00:59:06,368 CAESAR: You weren't with us when Crassus 1111 00:59:06,498 --> 00:59:08,239 defeated Spartacus, were you? 1112 00:59:09,414 --> 00:59:10,764 Maybe we don't need to get in at all. 1113 00:59:13,680 --> 00:59:15,116 We just need to stop them from getting out. 1114 00:59:17,553 --> 00:59:19,207 When Julius Caesar arrives 1115 00:59:19,337 --> 00:59:22,689 outside of Alesia and sees a fortified town 1116 00:59:22,819 --> 00:59:26,431 on top of high ground with 80,000 Gauls inside, 1117 00:59:26,562 --> 00:59:28,042 he assesses this as being 1118 00:59:28,172 --> 00:59:30,174 too much of a risk to attack frontally. 1119 00:59:30,305 --> 00:59:32,568 ADAM: Caesar decides to wall the Gauls in. 1120 00:59:32,699 --> 00:59:35,745 In many ways, this is a replay of Crassus' decision 1121 00:59:35,876 --> 00:59:38,139 to wall Spartacus off into southern Italy. 1122 00:59:39,444 --> 00:59:41,664 DOMINIC: Caesar's strategy is to use 1123 00:59:41,795 --> 00:59:44,536 Vercingetorix's army against itself. 1124 00:59:44,667 --> 00:59:46,974 It takes a lot of food to feed 80,000 men 1125 00:59:47,104 --> 00:59:49,367 so you can starve them pretty quickly. 1126 00:59:49,498 --> 00:59:54,634 ♪ 1127 00:59:54,764 --> 00:59:57,158 Caesar's wall was going to start with a ditch 1128 00:59:57,288 --> 00:59:59,421 that is dug out, the spoils thrown up 1129 00:59:59,551 --> 01:00:01,249 to create a 15 foot high wall, 1130 01:00:01,379 --> 01:00:04,295 almost ten miles around, 1131 01:00:04,426 --> 01:00:07,516 all in an effort to trap Vercingetorix's army. 1132 01:00:11,999 --> 01:00:14,392 Caesar's wall around Alesia 1133 01:00:14,523 --> 01:00:17,569 is one of the great military feats 1134 01:00:17,700 --> 01:00:19,136 of the ancient world. 1135 01:00:19,267 --> 01:00:20,703 It takes about a month 1136 01:00:20,834 --> 01:00:23,358 to build out this wall around the city. 1137 01:00:24,228 --> 01:00:25,316 CAESAR: How much longer? 1138 01:00:25,926 --> 01:00:26,840 This section. 1139 01:00:28,668 --> 01:00:30,017 And up the hills on the left side. 1140 01:00:30,147 --> 01:00:34,021 ♪ 1141 01:00:36,327 --> 01:00:37,502 [horse neighing] 1142 01:00:41,506 --> 01:00:43,857 Vercingetorix sends out messengers 1143 01:00:43,987 --> 01:00:47,164 before the siege is complete, to all the other tribes of Gaul. 1144 01:00:48,557 --> 01:00:51,038 He wants them to bring a massive army 1145 01:00:51,168 --> 01:00:53,170 to take Caesar from behind, 1146 01:00:53,301 --> 01:00:55,564 and crush Caesar by sheer weight of numbers. 1147 01:00:56,913 --> 01:00:57,697 He's sending for help. 1148 01:00:59,437 --> 01:01:00,874 If they attack us from behind, we're dead. 1149 01:01:01,004 --> 01:01:04,834 [tense instrumental intensifying] 1150 01:01:21,068 --> 01:01:24,636 We build a second wall around the first. 1151 01:01:24,767 --> 01:01:25,899 And trap ourselves? 1152 01:01:26,464 --> 01:01:27,552 Just do it. 1153 01:01:31,600 --> 01:01:35,996 Caesar is extraordinarily cool under pressure. 1154 01:01:36,126 --> 01:01:38,433 He is a decisive leader. 1155 01:01:39,347 --> 01:01:41,871 Once he has made a decision, he's going to commit to it. 1156 01:01:42,916 --> 01:01:44,831 What Caesar decides to do is to build 1157 01:01:44,961 --> 01:01:47,137 another set of earthworks, but this time, 1158 01:01:47,268 --> 01:01:49,139 instead of facing in, they face out. 1159 01:01:49,270 --> 01:01:52,186 The Roman defenses are in the shape of a doughnut, 1160 01:01:52,316 --> 01:01:55,189 with Alesia in the center and Gauls on the outside. 1161 01:01:55,319 --> 01:01:57,017 He is besieging Alesia. 1162 01:01:57,147 --> 01:01:59,062 But when we draw the entire picture, 1163 01:01:59,193 --> 01:02:00,237 who's besieging who? 1164 01:02:00,977 --> 01:02:02,544 'Cause when the external forces come, 1165 01:02:02,674 --> 01:02:04,589 they will be surrounded from the outside 1166 01:02:04,720 --> 01:02:06,330 and from the inside. 1167 01:02:07,114 --> 01:02:09,029 An extraordinarily vulnerable place. 1168 01:02:09,159 --> 01:02:12,162 ♪ 1169 01:02:12,293 --> 01:02:16,253 - [horn blasting] - [war cries] 1170 01:02:21,476 --> 01:02:24,131 One day, they hear these terrible sounds, 1171 01:02:24,261 --> 01:02:25,828 they hear Gallic war cries. 1172 01:02:25,959 --> 01:02:30,050 ♪ 1173 01:02:30,180 --> 01:02:32,487 [soldiers shouting] 1174 01:02:32,617 --> 01:02:34,968 Vercingetorix's relief army has arrived. 1175 01:02:37,274 --> 01:02:39,233 If you're a Roman soldier, you look at the relief force, 1176 01:02:39,363 --> 01:02:41,670 you see that you're outnumbered three to one, 1177 01:02:41,801 --> 01:02:43,498 and you wonder if those numbers 1178 01:02:43,628 --> 01:02:45,761 are ultimately, gonna mean your demise, 1179 01:02:45,892 --> 01:02:48,068 but one thing that you have is Julius Caesar, 1180 01:02:48,198 --> 01:02:49,939 and those seem to even the odds by a degree. 1181 01:02:51,071 --> 01:02:53,160 Comrades, this is it. 1182 01:02:53,290 --> 01:02:55,553 DOMINIC: Caesar knows that this is going to be the end 1183 01:02:55,684 --> 01:02:56,685 of the Gallic campaign. 1184 01:02:57,860 --> 01:03:00,254 Everything we've been fighting for, 1185 01:03:00,384 --> 01:03:04,562 for the past seven years, is now on the line. 1186 01:03:05,172 --> 01:03:06,608 DOMINIC: Either they'll win, 1187 01:03:06,738 --> 01:03:07,827 and all of Gaul will be conquered, 1188 01:03:07,957 --> 01:03:09,350 or they will be annihilated. 1189 01:03:10,351 --> 01:03:13,180 We must fight, and we must win! 1190 01:03:14,137 --> 01:03:16,836 Victory or death, 1191 01:03:16,966 --> 01:03:18,881 which will you choose? 1192 01:03:19,534 --> 01:03:22,145 - For victory! - For Rome! 1193 01:03:22,276 --> 01:03:25,583 SOLDIERS: For victory! For Rome! For victory! 1194 01:03:25,714 --> 01:03:28,238 AARON: For Caesar, the stakes of Alesia are everything. 1195 01:03:28,369 --> 01:03:30,762 He has gambled his entire existence 1196 01:03:30,893 --> 01:03:33,069 on this single moment. 1197 01:03:33,200 --> 01:03:35,985 [war cries] 1198 01:03:36,116 --> 01:03:38,858 [hooks clacking] 1199 01:03:40,860 --> 01:03:43,906 Vercingetorix and his men have seen the attack 1200 01:03:44,037 --> 01:03:46,387 from the relief force outside, 1201 01:03:46,517 --> 01:03:48,606 and now, they can launch an attack 1202 01:03:48,737 --> 01:03:51,087 from inside of Alesia. 1203 01:03:51,218 --> 01:03:57,920 [war cries] 1204 01:03:58,051 --> 01:04:00,967 He's got 8,000 Gauls on the inside, 1205 01:04:01,097 --> 01:04:02,533 250,000 on the outside. 1206 01:04:04,361 --> 01:04:07,408 It looks like Caesar is in deep trouble. 1207 01:04:07,538 --> 01:04:09,758 ♪ 1208 01:04:09,889 --> 01:04:12,369 Caesar is either going to die 1209 01:04:12,500 --> 01:04:15,764 along with the entirety of his legacy at this moment... 1210 01:04:18,680 --> 01:04:21,683 or somehow, emerge triumphant. 1211 01:04:21,813 --> 01:04:25,817 ♪ 1212 01:04:25,948 --> 01:04:30,866 [soldiers shouting] 1213 01:04:30,997 --> 01:04:32,476 That area's breached. 1214 01:04:32,607 --> 01:04:36,089 [swords clattering] 1215 01:04:41,572 --> 01:04:43,357 The start of the battle of Alesia 1216 01:04:43,487 --> 01:04:46,273 looks very bad for Caesar and very good for the Gauls. 1217 01:04:46,403 --> 01:04:47,927 They look as though they might win. 1218 01:04:49,450 --> 01:04:51,539 They have managed to tear down a section of the wall, 1219 01:04:51,669 --> 01:04:53,715 and set to destroy 1220 01:04:53,845 --> 01:04:55,630 the much, much smaller Roman army. 1221 01:04:58,676 --> 01:05:00,504 Caesar has to take drastic action, 1222 01:05:00,635 --> 01:05:02,289 or everything will be lost. 1223 01:05:02,419 --> 01:05:06,467 - [war cries] - [swords clattering] 1224 01:05:08,948 --> 01:05:12,516 Caesar himself leaps into the frontlines, 1225 01:05:12,647 --> 01:05:15,563 inspiring his men, encouraging them 1226 01:05:15,693 --> 01:05:16,956 to continue to fight. 1227 01:05:19,523 --> 01:05:23,266 You've beaten these barbarians before, 1228 01:05:23,397 --> 01:05:24,964 you'll do it again! 1229 01:05:26,791 --> 01:05:30,143 You're the greatest soldiers in the world! 1230 01:05:31,013 --> 01:05:32,101 For Rome! 1231 01:05:34,364 --> 01:05:37,454 Caesar sees himself 1232 01:05:37,585 --> 01:05:41,502 as lifting his men's morale, and keeping them together 1233 01:05:41,632 --> 01:05:44,418 in the face of this terrifying enemy. 1234 01:05:44,548 --> 01:05:48,509 - [war cries] - [swords clattering] 1235 01:05:49,945 --> 01:05:52,643 Caesar manages to rally his troops to hold the line, 1236 01:05:52,774 --> 01:05:55,559 and to not allow the Gauls to penetrate and wreak havoc 1237 01:05:55,690 --> 01:05:56,996 in the back of the Roman lines. 1238 01:05:59,085 --> 01:06:00,782 NARRATOR: But Caesar knows the Romans can't hold out 1239 01:06:00,912 --> 01:06:02,523 against numbers like this for long. 1240 01:06:04,307 --> 01:06:05,569 DOUG: Although Julius Caesar has now gone 1241 01:06:05,700 --> 01:06:07,093 to the point of greatest friction, 1242 01:06:07,223 --> 01:06:08,659 I think he also starts to recognize 1243 01:06:08,790 --> 01:06:09,965 this might not be enough. 1244 01:06:11,227 --> 01:06:13,099 Now, he starts to go through his rolodex 1245 01:06:13,229 --> 01:06:14,883 of "What else might I be able to do? 1246 01:06:15,014 --> 01:06:17,103 "How can I solve the pressure 1247 01:06:17,233 --> 01:06:19,844 "on this direct attack against the Roman line?" 1248 01:06:19,975 --> 01:06:23,413 Labienus, hold the breach. 1249 01:06:24,023 --> 01:06:25,502 Then ride around the walls. 1250 01:06:25,633 --> 01:06:26,982 Yes, sir! 1251 01:06:27,113 --> 01:06:29,419 Hold the breach, hold the walls! 1252 01:06:29,550 --> 01:06:32,379 Caesar makes this decision to deploy his cavalry 1253 01:06:32,509 --> 01:06:34,120 outside his perimeter. 1254 01:06:34,903 --> 01:06:37,558 The cavalry rides 'round the back 1255 01:06:37,688 --> 01:06:39,125 of the Gaulish positions. 1256 01:06:39,255 --> 01:06:40,561 Keep formation! 1257 01:06:41,214 --> 01:06:42,563 Don't lose it! 1258 01:06:43,564 --> 01:06:46,871 [war cry] 1259 01:06:47,872 --> 01:06:50,397 [horse neighing] 1260 01:06:53,226 --> 01:06:55,489 Caesar's cavalry forces slam 1261 01:06:55,619 --> 01:06:57,404 into the rear of the Gallic army, 1262 01:06:57,534 --> 01:06:59,754 taking them completely by surprise... 1263 01:07:01,103 --> 01:07:03,062 spreading panic throughout their entire ranks. 1264 01:07:04,933 --> 01:07:06,630 They think that they're completely surrounded 1265 01:07:06,761 --> 01:07:08,589 by the Roman army, and they start fleeing. 1266 01:07:09,677 --> 01:07:10,895 Attack! 1267 01:07:11,026 --> 01:07:14,943 [tense instrumental playing] 1268 01:07:17,250 --> 01:07:18,773 These men start to run for their lives, 1269 01:07:18,903 --> 01:07:20,340 rather than fight for their lives. 1270 01:07:20,470 --> 01:07:22,298 Roman cavalry will ride them down, 1271 01:07:22,429 --> 01:07:23,647 and it becomes a bloodbath. 1272 01:07:23,778 --> 01:07:27,608 [ominous instrumental playing] 1273 01:07:33,266 --> 01:07:37,226 [horns blasting] 1274 01:07:42,405 --> 01:07:45,060 NARRATOR: After seven years of war, 1275 01:07:45,191 --> 01:07:47,541 Caesar has crushed Gallic resistance 1276 01:07:47,671 --> 01:07:48,629 once and for all. 1277 01:07:51,632 --> 01:07:53,808 AARON: Caesar's conquest of Gaul stands 1278 01:07:53,938 --> 01:07:56,854 as one of the most impressive achievements 1279 01:07:56,985 --> 01:07:58,595 in human history. 1280 01:07:59,553 --> 01:08:02,686 The fact that he has, really, a minimal amount of manpower 1281 01:08:02,817 --> 01:08:05,298 to pull off this huge campaign. 1282 01:08:08,823 --> 01:08:13,132 ♪ 1283 01:08:17,919 --> 01:08:21,879 Caesar's conquest of Gaul adds more than 300,000 miles 1284 01:08:22,010 --> 01:08:23,011 to Roman territory. 1285 01:08:24,491 --> 01:08:26,057 Rome now extends 1286 01:08:26,188 --> 01:08:27,972 from the Atlantic ocean in the west... 1287 01:08:29,017 --> 01:08:30,671 to the river Rhine in the east. 1288 01:08:32,629 --> 01:08:34,849 Caesar's conquest of Gaul in seven years 1289 01:08:34,979 --> 01:08:37,765 is an impressive military achievement, 1290 01:08:37,895 --> 01:08:40,289 but it would be strange to not acknowledge 1291 01:08:40,420 --> 01:08:44,598 that Caesar basically, engages in genocide. 1292 01:08:45,816 --> 01:08:50,081 He himself claimed to kill one million people 1293 01:08:50,212 --> 01:08:51,431 in the conquest of Gaul. 1294 01:08:52,171 --> 01:08:56,000 And to have enslaved 1.1 million people. 1295 01:08:56,131 --> 01:08:58,089 He killed or enslaved, what, 1296 01:08:58,220 --> 01:09:00,788 20% of the entire population of northern Europe? 1297 01:09:00,918 --> 01:09:02,137 And we have to be reminded of that, 1298 01:09:02,268 --> 01:09:04,661 because we're so pre-conditioned 1299 01:09:04,792 --> 01:09:06,272 by the shape of history, 1300 01:09:06,402 --> 01:09:08,143 to think of Caesar as a remarkable figure. 1301 01:09:08,274 --> 01:09:10,276 It's absolutely incredible. 1302 01:09:10,406 --> 01:09:13,583 PABLO: Alesia would remain as a national trauma 1303 01:09:13,714 --> 01:09:16,412 for Gaulish peoples for hundreds of years. 1304 01:09:16,543 --> 01:09:18,458 As the Gauls' back had been broken, 1305 01:09:18,588 --> 01:09:21,504 never again would a large federation ally like this 1306 01:09:21,635 --> 01:09:23,376 against the Romans. 1307 01:09:23,506 --> 01:09:26,901 Our great Caesar, hurried to join into the fight. 1308 01:09:27,031 --> 01:09:29,077 After his total victory in Gaul, 1309 01:09:29,208 --> 01:09:31,210 Caesar's popularity with ordinary Romans 1310 01:09:31,340 --> 01:09:32,994 goes higher and higher. 1311 01:09:33,124 --> 01:09:35,866 They regard him now, as the very definition 1312 01:09:35,997 --> 01:09:38,521 of a successful Roman warlord. 1313 01:09:38,652 --> 01:09:40,131 SPEAKER: The conspicuous color 1314 01:09:40,262 --> 01:09:42,308 of the cloak he always wore into battle, 1315 01:09:42,438 --> 01:09:43,918 proclaimed his arrival. 1316 01:09:44,048 --> 01:09:45,398 [crowd cheering] 1317 01:09:45,528 --> 01:09:47,487 The Gauls turned tail, 1318 01:09:47,617 --> 01:09:49,924 and the cavalry charged them as they fled! 1319 01:09:50,403 --> 01:09:52,405 A massive slaughter followed. 1320 01:09:53,057 --> 01:09:55,582 Caesar wants to return to Rome in triumph. 1321 01:09:55,712 --> 01:09:58,106 He wants to win a second term as consul, 1322 01:09:58,237 --> 01:10:00,543 and be Rome's undisputed first man. 1323 01:10:01,675 --> 01:10:03,198 But Caesar has a problem. 1324 01:10:04,373 --> 01:10:08,116 [suspenseful drums instrumental playing] 1325 01:10:10,466 --> 01:10:12,251 Cato has different plans 1326 01:10:12,381 --> 01:10:14,557 for how Caesar's life will turn out. 1327 01:10:15,471 --> 01:10:19,475 Caesar has indeed won great victories 1328 01:10:19,606 --> 01:10:21,260 for our republic, 1329 01:10:21,390 --> 01:10:25,046 but these victories come at a price. 1330 01:10:25,176 --> 01:10:26,830 [senators shout in agreement] 1331 01:10:26,961 --> 01:10:30,617 One that we will pay for with our republic itself. 1332 01:10:31,705 --> 01:10:34,969 Caesar recruited an army that answers only to himself. 1333 01:10:36,927 --> 01:10:40,627 Cato and the optimates have tremendous distrust of Caesar, 1334 01:10:40,757 --> 01:10:44,848 based on his previous consulship and his growth of power in Gaul. 1335 01:10:44,979 --> 01:10:48,765 Some senators fear that he may seize power in Rome, 1336 01:10:48,896 --> 01:10:51,681 and this fear is becoming self-fulfilling. 1337 01:10:51,812 --> 01:10:55,250 This is too much power for any man, 1338 01:10:55,381 --> 01:10:57,208 let alone Caesar. 1339 01:10:58,645 --> 01:11:02,736 Can we forget how he behaved when he was consul? 1340 01:11:02,866 --> 01:11:05,304 ADAM: I think Cato was able to rally a group of senators 1341 01:11:05,434 --> 01:11:07,393 against Caesar, partially out of jealousy. 1342 01:11:07,523 --> 01:11:09,264 These senators resent 1343 01:11:09,395 --> 01:11:11,353 that Caesar's the most popular man in Rome 1344 01:11:11,484 --> 01:11:12,920 and that they're not the ones 1345 01:11:13,050 --> 01:11:14,748 who are having all of these victories. 1346 01:11:14,878 --> 01:11:17,838 I move that Caesar 1347 01:11:17,968 --> 01:11:20,623 - be stripped of his command. - SENATORS: Yes! 1348 01:11:20,754 --> 01:11:23,191 For them, it's both a political calculation, 1349 01:11:23,322 --> 01:11:24,497 but it's also a personal one. 1350 01:11:25,280 --> 01:11:27,108 PATRICK: Crassus is dead, 1351 01:11:27,238 --> 01:11:29,937 Pompey is no longer politically aligned with Caesar. 1352 01:11:30,067 --> 01:11:31,634 The optimates see this as the moment 1353 01:11:31,765 --> 01:11:34,071 where they can end Caesar's career for good. 1354 01:11:34,202 --> 01:11:35,943 Caesar is vulnerable. 1355 01:11:36,073 --> 01:11:38,641 We must [indistinct] back to Rome, 1356 01:11:38,772 --> 01:11:40,251 and prosecute him! 1357 01:11:40,382 --> 01:11:45,909 [senators cheering] 1358 01:11:46,040 --> 01:11:49,217 g] 1359 01:11:51,741 --> 01:11:55,484 Cato is resolved to destroy his old foe, Caesar, 1360 01:11:55,615 --> 01:11:57,704 but he can't do it without help. 1361 01:11:58,966 --> 01:12:00,707 ADAM: The optimates are impotent 1362 01:12:00,837 --> 01:12:02,839 to bring Caesar to heel without an army. 1363 01:12:02,970 --> 01:12:05,189 And the only person capable of raising an army 1364 01:12:05,320 --> 01:12:07,496 besides Caesar, is Pompey. 1365 01:12:08,323 --> 01:12:10,456 CATO: The Republic needs you again, Pompey. 1366 01:12:10,586 --> 01:12:11,544 I've retired. 1367 01:12:15,025 --> 01:12:16,375 [Pompey sighs] 1368 01:12:18,420 --> 01:12:20,466 How many families will be sacrificed 1369 01:12:20,596 --> 01:12:23,207 if Caesar is allowed to march on Rome. 1370 01:12:23,338 --> 01:12:26,689 They will only be sacrificed if we go to war with him. 1371 01:12:27,560 --> 01:12:31,215 His army is loyal only to him, 1372 01:12:31,346 --> 01:12:32,391 not Rome. 1373 01:12:33,174 --> 01:12:35,785 Loyalty is a virtue, Cato. 1374 01:12:35,916 --> 01:12:39,049 Caesar is a danger to the Republic. 1375 01:12:40,311 --> 01:12:42,401 He's more powerful than any Roman before him. 1376 01:12:43,489 --> 01:12:44,403 More than Sulla. 1377 01:12:46,100 --> 01:12:47,667 More even than you. 1378 01:12:47,797 --> 01:12:51,584 ♪ 1379 01:13:05,815 --> 01:13:07,774 PABLO: Pompey ends up siding with Cato 1380 01:13:07,904 --> 01:13:09,863 and the optimates. 1381 01:13:09,993 --> 01:13:12,518 I think he was jealous of Caesar's popularity. 1382 01:13:12,648 --> 01:13:16,043 Caesar was essentially and unequivocally replacing him 1383 01:13:16,173 --> 01:13:18,785 as the military darling of the Roman population. 1384 01:13:20,526 --> 01:13:22,049 SIMON: As the temperature rises in Rome, 1385 01:13:22,179 --> 01:13:24,443 Caesar sends back Antony 1386 01:13:24,573 --> 01:13:26,445 to represent him in the Roman Senate. 1387 01:13:28,621 --> 01:13:30,013 ANTONY: Caesar reminds the Senate 1388 01:13:30,144 --> 01:13:32,189 of all that he has done for Rome. 1389 01:13:33,016 --> 01:13:36,106 How he served dutifully as consul, 1390 01:13:36,237 --> 01:13:38,892 how he pacified Gaul, 1391 01:13:39,022 --> 01:13:42,896 and he vows that he will lay down his arms, 1392 01:13:43,026 --> 01:13:45,159 if Pompey does the same. 1393 01:13:47,640 --> 01:13:49,816 But if the Senate will not see sense, 1394 01:13:49,946 --> 01:13:52,775 Caesar will uphold his personal honor 1395 01:13:52,906 --> 01:13:54,777 by any means necessary. 1396 01:13:54,908 --> 01:13:56,692 Senators, 1397 01:13:56,823 --> 01:13:59,521 this is nothing but a declaration of war. 1398 01:14:00,957 --> 01:14:04,352 I move that the house declare Caesar a public enemy. 1399 01:14:04,483 --> 01:14:06,354 - SENATORS: Yes! - Who's in favor? 1400 01:14:06,485 --> 01:14:08,356 [senators shouting in agreement] 1401 01:14:10,619 --> 01:14:13,013 CATO: The house has spoken, Antony. 1402 01:14:17,931 --> 01:14:20,063 Veto, the vote is set aside. 1403 01:14:20,716 --> 01:14:22,718 I call upon the gods as witnesses, 1404 01:14:22,849 --> 01:14:25,112 it is you who are against the Republic! 1405 01:14:25,765 --> 01:14:28,332 You are the one leading us to war! 1406 01:14:29,029 --> 01:14:30,813 NARRATOR: Fearing Caesar's growing power, 1407 01:14:30,944 --> 01:14:33,686 the Roman Senate declares him a public enemy. 1408 01:14:38,299 --> 01:14:41,868 And now, he faces the biggest decision of his life. 1409 01:14:43,957 --> 01:14:45,828 AMANDA: The Rubicon was a river, 1410 01:14:45,959 --> 01:14:48,396 so small, at the time it was more like a stream, 1411 01:14:48,527 --> 01:14:51,094 about 200 miles north of Rome. 1412 01:14:51,225 --> 01:14:53,749 And the reason this stream was so important 1413 01:14:53,880 --> 01:14:56,970 was it marked the boundary between Italian Gaul 1414 01:14:57,100 --> 01:15:00,887 and territory directly controlled by Rome itself. 1415 01:15:02,758 --> 01:15:05,108 AARON: Crossing the Rubicon with an army 1416 01:15:05,239 --> 01:15:08,503 means that not only has a governor 1417 01:15:08,634 --> 01:15:11,506 left his territory behind, which is a violation of law, 1418 01:15:11,637 --> 01:15:14,596 but now, he is moving against Rome. 1419 01:15:14,727 --> 01:15:16,946 It is an outright act of treason, 1420 01:15:17,077 --> 01:15:20,733 it is a declaration of war against the Roman State. 1421 01:15:22,952 --> 01:15:24,867 BARRY: Caesar doesn't have great options. 1422 01:15:24,998 --> 01:15:27,783 If he crosses the Rubicon, he's begun a civil war. 1423 01:15:27,914 --> 01:15:29,655 But if he obeys the Senate, 1424 01:15:29,785 --> 01:15:31,831 he has to give up his command of his armies 1425 01:15:31,961 --> 01:15:34,355 and face the fact that he's going to be hauled 1426 01:15:34,485 --> 01:15:36,313 into court in Rome, put on trial, 1427 01:15:36,444 --> 01:15:38,446 probably be convicted, and face execution. 1428 01:15:42,929 --> 01:15:46,585 The offer I sent back with Antony 1429 01:15:46,715 --> 01:15:47,934 has been rejected. 1430 01:15:51,067 --> 01:15:52,939 I must return to the Senate in person. 1431 01:15:54,288 --> 01:15:55,811 I will have to take at least a legion 1432 01:15:55,942 --> 01:15:57,596 across the river with me for my own protection. 1433 01:15:59,162 --> 01:16:00,294 Across the Rubicon? 1434 01:16:01,861 --> 01:16:03,297 You know this is against the law. 1435 01:16:06,866 --> 01:16:08,824 If there's a war, 1436 01:16:08,955 --> 01:16:10,609 you will be fighting your own people. 1437 01:16:12,436 --> 01:16:14,482 Then let's hope it doesn't come to that. 1438 01:16:20,227 --> 01:16:21,141 Let's hope not. 1439 01:16:22,664 --> 01:16:24,318 Pompey has twice as many men as us. 1440 01:16:27,713 --> 01:16:29,279 But we have something he doesn't. 1441 01:16:35,764 --> 01:16:37,287 Me. 1442 01:16:38,332 --> 01:16:39,812 And you, Labienus. 1443 01:16:42,162 --> 01:16:43,163 Do I have you? 1444 01:16:44,991 --> 01:16:48,995 ♪ 1445 01:16:53,173 --> 01:16:54,696 When Caesar arrives at the Rubicon, 1446 01:16:54,827 --> 01:16:56,567 he's in this difficult situation. 1447 01:16:56,698 --> 01:16:59,570 He knows that if he crosses with his legions, 1448 01:16:59,701 --> 01:17:02,356 he plays into the hands of his opponents, 1449 01:17:02,486 --> 01:17:05,359 because he has violated Rome's law, 1450 01:17:05,489 --> 01:17:08,579 by bringing his military forces into the political game. 1451 01:17:09,493 --> 01:17:12,496 I think he believes that if he doesn't do that, 1452 01:17:12,627 --> 01:17:15,586 Pompey and others will have maneuvered against him, 1453 01:17:15,717 --> 01:17:17,676 and so he believes he's gotta act. 1454 01:17:18,764 --> 01:17:20,679 It isn't too late. 1455 01:17:20,809 --> 01:17:23,986 Any man who wishes to turn back, 1456 01:17:24,117 --> 01:17:26,336 go now, with no dishonor. 1457 01:17:29,078 --> 01:17:31,037 But cross this stream... 1458 01:17:33,517 --> 01:17:35,563 and we are fighting all the way to Rome. 1459 01:17:36,869 --> 01:17:37,826 Are you with me? 1460 01:17:38,435 --> 01:17:40,307 Long live Caesar! 1461 01:17:40,437 --> 01:17:42,222 According to one source, 1462 01:17:42,352 --> 01:17:45,878 Caesar quotes a line from Greek drama, 1463 01:17:46,008 --> 01:17:47,706 as he prepares to cross the Rubicon. 1464 01:17:48,663 --> 01:17:51,492 Let the dice fly high! 1465 01:17:51,622 --> 01:17:55,801 [soldiers cheering] 1466 01:17:55,931 --> 01:17:57,672 "Let the dice fly high." 1467 01:17:57,803 --> 01:17:59,500 In other words, "Let's take a risk, 1468 01:17:59,630 --> 01:18:00,936 "and come what may." 1469 01:18:01,067 --> 01:18:05,419 [war cries] 1470 01:18:05,549 --> 01:18:07,290 WESLEY: Caesar knew he was in trouble. 1471 01:18:07,421 --> 01:18:09,336 He had a choice, he could surrender, 1472 01:18:09,466 --> 01:18:13,383 and go peacefully to Rome, or he could bring his legion, 1473 01:18:13,514 --> 01:18:15,472 rely on his popularity, 1474 01:18:15,603 --> 01:18:18,084 and seize power in Rome. 1475 01:18:18,214 --> 01:18:21,609 Caesar chose for himself, rather than for his country. 1476 01:18:23,176 --> 01:18:25,874 Crossing the Rubicon is a critical moment in history. 1477 01:18:26,005 --> 01:18:28,921 Caesar will always be someone who, when confronted 1478 01:18:29,051 --> 01:18:31,227 with other people raising the stakes, 1479 01:18:31,358 --> 01:18:33,708 he'll raise the stakes again, he'll take up the challenge, 1480 01:18:33,839 --> 01:18:35,666 he will gamble, he will trust that he will win. 1481 01:18:35,797 --> 01:18:43,370 ♪ 1482 01:18:43,500 --> 01:18:46,025 PABLO: Crossing the Rubicon is a terrible gamble for Caesar. 1483 01:18:46,155 --> 01:18:48,854 It means there is only one way out of this. 1484 01:18:48,984 --> 01:18:50,769 Defeating the Senate, 1485 01:18:50,899 --> 01:18:53,859 and making himself the central power in Rome. 1486 01:18:53,989 --> 01:18:56,600 Any other outcome ends in his death and destruction. 1487 01:18:57,558 --> 01:18:58,733 DOMINIC: He wants the glory 1488 01:18:58,864 --> 01:19:00,126 that he believes that he deserves 1489 01:19:00,256 --> 01:19:02,041 for his conquest of Gaul, 1490 01:19:02,171 --> 01:19:04,347 the glory that he was denied by Cato. 1491 01:19:04,478 --> 01:19:06,741 But he frames what he's doing 1492 01:19:06,872 --> 01:19:10,527 as an act of protecting the democratic ideals 1493 01:19:10,658 --> 01:19:11,615 of the Roman State. 1494 01:19:13,269 --> 01:19:14,531 ADRIAN: Caesar has marched into Italy 1495 01:19:14,662 --> 01:19:16,620 with very few soldiers behind him. 1496 01:19:16,751 --> 01:19:18,535 More will be coming, but it will take a long time 1497 01:19:18,666 --> 01:19:20,363 before he has a major army. 1498 01:19:20,494 --> 01:19:23,540 News will take time to reach his opponents. 1499 01:19:24,672 --> 01:19:27,153 Pompey has boasted, "I have only to stamp my feet, 1500 01:19:27,283 --> 01:19:29,503 "and legions will spring up out of the soil of Italy." 1501 01:19:29,633 --> 01:19:31,070 But they're not ready yet. 1502 01:19:31,200 --> 01:19:33,550 Caesar rushes on, he overruns settlements, 1503 01:19:33,681 --> 01:19:35,509 and many people welcome him, 1504 01:19:35,639 --> 01:19:36,902 that means he's gaining momentum. 1505 01:19:37,032 --> 01:19:41,123 ♪ 1506 01:19:41,254 --> 01:19:45,171 [marching footsteps thumping] 1507 01:19:50,654 --> 01:19:52,178 [horse neighs] 1508 01:19:53,744 --> 01:19:55,485 - [bird quacking] - SOLDIER: [indistinct] 1509 01:19:55,616 --> 01:19:59,359 [ominous instrumental playing] 1510 01:20:01,317 --> 01:20:03,232 ROBERT: Caesar is riding on the road south 1511 01:20:03,363 --> 01:20:05,104 when a figure in slave's clothes 1512 01:20:05,234 --> 01:20:06,192 comes into view. 1513 01:20:08,368 --> 01:20:09,369 It's Antony. 1514 01:20:11,023 --> 01:20:13,590 He's dressed as a slave to escape the city. 1515 01:20:14,113 --> 01:20:16,376 What happened? Cato? The Senate? 1516 01:20:19,901 --> 01:20:20,859 Men, come close. 1517 01:20:22,686 --> 01:20:25,211 It is our friend and comrade... 1518 01:20:26,386 --> 01:20:27,387 Mark Antony. 1519 01:20:28,040 --> 01:20:29,041 A war-hero... 1520 01:20:30,651 --> 01:20:33,393 driven from Rome in defiance of all that is just. 1521 01:20:35,612 --> 01:20:37,397 Will you let this stand? 1522 01:20:38,485 --> 01:20:40,835 Caesar is declaring war on his own people 1523 01:20:40,966 --> 01:20:44,534 to serve the interests of the Roman population 1524 01:20:44,665 --> 01:20:46,362 as his basic political case. 1525 01:20:46,493 --> 01:20:49,061 However, it is obviously about his own dignity 1526 01:20:49,191 --> 01:20:51,802 and his own growing thirst for power. 1527 01:20:51,933 --> 01:20:56,416 It is also, because Caesar never, ever backs down. 1528 01:20:56,546 --> 01:20:59,419 Will you let these senators, 1529 01:20:59,549 --> 01:21:02,117 who care nothing for Rome, 1530 01:21:02,248 --> 01:21:03,423 destroy it? 1531 01:21:04,032 --> 01:21:07,775 Will you let Pompey and Cato 1532 01:21:07,906 --> 01:21:09,559 attack my honor? 1533 01:21:09,690 --> 01:21:11,910 [soldiers chanting indistinctly] 1534 01:21:12,040 --> 01:21:13,868 NICOLA: After eight years of war, 1535 01:21:13,999 --> 01:21:17,089 the soldiers are completely loyal to Caesar. 1536 01:21:17,219 --> 01:21:18,699 He's doubled their pay, 1537 01:21:18,829 --> 01:21:21,049 and he's given each man his own slave. 1538 01:21:22,659 --> 01:21:25,880 It's the sort of personal loyalty from the army 1539 01:21:26,011 --> 01:21:28,404 that makes Caesar so powerful, 1540 01:21:28,535 --> 01:21:31,755 and also, uniquely dangerous in the eyes of the Senate. 1541 01:21:31,886 --> 01:21:33,844 [soldiers shouting] 1542 01:21:33,975 --> 01:21:37,936 ♪ 1543 01:21:44,681 --> 01:21:46,857 With war now inevitable, 1544 01:21:46,988 --> 01:21:49,643 Caesar suffers a real, serious defection. 1545 01:21:51,036 --> 01:21:52,951 Labienus goes over to Pompey's side. 1546 01:21:54,039 --> 01:21:56,519 It's possible that Labienus turned against Caesar, 1547 01:21:56,650 --> 01:21:58,782 because he was offended by Caesar's actions. 1548 01:21:59,914 --> 01:22:02,003 On the other hand, we know that Labienus 1549 01:22:02,134 --> 01:22:04,310 started his career as a Pompey guy, 1550 01:22:04,440 --> 01:22:06,921 and so perhaps, he's just going back 1551 01:22:07,052 --> 01:22:08,270 to his original patron. 1552 01:22:09,097 --> 01:22:11,143 What we see in this civil war, 1553 01:22:11,273 --> 01:22:13,493 is that everybody has to choose sides, 1554 01:22:13,623 --> 01:22:16,061 and rarely is it about policy, 1555 01:22:16,191 --> 01:22:17,976 or belief, or ideals, 1556 01:22:18,106 --> 01:22:19,542 it's about personal loyalty. 1557 01:22:19,673 --> 01:22:22,893 ♪ 1558 01:22:23,024 --> 01:22:25,157 NARRATOR: As Caesar continues towards Rome... 1559 01:22:28,029 --> 01:22:30,162 his former ally, Pompey, 1560 01:22:30,292 --> 01:22:32,512 tries to negotiate one last time. 1561 01:22:34,296 --> 01:22:37,038 Even though Caesar has crossed the Rubicon, 1562 01:22:37,169 --> 01:22:39,084 lines of communication are still open 1563 01:22:39,214 --> 01:22:40,694 between him and Pompey. 1564 01:22:42,348 --> 01:22:44,480 I regret it has come to this, Gaius. 1565 01:22:45,264 --> 01:22:48,528 My country called me to duty, and I could not refuse. 1566 01:22:48,658 --> 01:22:51,618 I know you feel you've been let down, 1567 01:22:51,748 --> 01:22:54,621 but can you not put Rome before your pride? 1568 01:22:54,751 --> 01:22:57,015 You've raised an army against me! 1569 01:22:57,145 --> 01:22:59,017 You've raised an army against the Republic! 1570 01:23:01,497 --> 01:23:04,544 You know I can't just simply surrender myself to Cato. 1571 01:23:05,458 --> 01:23:06,502 So... 1572 01:23:07,590 --> 01:23:09,940 your bruised ego means war, does it? 1573 01:23:10,724 --> 01:23:13,988 Mark Antony's offer, that we both lay down our arms, 1574 01:23:14,119 --> 01:23:15,033 was rejected. 1575 01:23:15,903 --> 01:23:18,210 So, a new offer. 1576 01:23:19,733 --> 01:23:21,604 Caesar makes one final offer to Pompey. 1577 01:23:21,735 --> 01:23:23,867 They'll both leave Italy, and they'll leave things 1578 01:23:23,998 --> 01:23:25,652 for the Senate and the other bodies 1579 01:23:25,782 --> 01:23:27,958 of Roman political society to figure out. 1580 01:23:28,089 --> 01:23:29,351 We don't know how Pompey reacts to this, 1581 01:23:29,482 --> 01:23:31,092 but we know how the Senate does. 1582 01:23:31,701 --> 01:23:35,053 No, his offer will not be accepted. 1583 01:23:35,183 --> 01:23:36,793 Caesar needs to face punishment, 1584 01:23:36,924 --> 01:23:39,883 and that means you crushing him in battle. 1585 01:23:40,536 --> 01:23:42,190 Then we need to leave the city. 1586 01:23:42,321 --> 01:23:43,235 CATO: I will not run. 1587 01:23:44,932 --> 01:23:48,240 He is approaching right now with his entire army. 1588 01:23:48,370 --> 01:23:50,503 We don't have enough loyal soldiers in Italy 1589 01:23:50,633 --> 01:23:52,200 to defend Rome. 1590 01:23:52,331 --> 01:23:54,333 I thought Pompey only has to stamp his feet, 1591 01:23:54,463 --> 01:23:55,638 and troops will appear. 1592 01:23:56,683 --> 01:23:59,338 My men are spread through the Mediterranean. 1593 01:23:59,468 --> 01:24:00,817 We need time. 1594 01:24:00,948 --> 01:24:02,254 [marching footsteps thumping] 1595 01:24:02,384 --> 01:24:04,473 We must leave the city. 1596 01:24:04,604 --> 01:24:06,954 Anyone who stays to welcome Caesar 1597 01:24:07,085 --> 01:24:09,087 is a traitor to the Republic. 1598 01:24:09,217 --> 01:24:10,523 [marching footsteps thumping] 1599 01:24:10,653 --> 01:24:14,440 [tense instrumental intensifying] 1600 01:24:18,966 --> 01:24:23,144 g] 1601 01:24:23,275 --> 01:24:26,278 [marching footsteps thumping] 1602 01:24:28,541 --> 01:24:30,804 NARRATOR: After Pompey and the Senate fled Rome... 1603 01:24:32,545 --> 01:24:34,242 Caesar gave chase. 1604 01:24:34,373 --> 01:24:36,853 He pursued them first, to southern Italy, 1605 01:24:36,984 --> 01:24:37,985 and then, to Greece. 1606 01:24:39,943 --> 01:24:41,728 Greece is one of Pompey's power bases, 1607 01:24:41,858 --> 01:24:44,122 it's a place where he can gather soldiers to resist Caesar. 1608 01:24:46,689 --> 01:24:49,214 The two armies find each other camped, 1609 01:24:49,344 --> 01:24:51,085 at Pharsalus in Greece, 1610 01:24:51,216 --> 01:24:53,783 and at this point, Pompey has the upper hand. 1611 01:24:54,697 --> 01:24:57,309 Caesar's army is very far 1612 01:24:57,439 --> 01:24:59,224 from their supply lines and from reinforcements, 1613 01:24:59,354 --> 01:25:00,616 they're hungry. 1614 01:25:00,747 --> 01:25:02,575 [marching footsteps thumping] 1615 01:25:02,705 --> 01:25:04,881 Pompey has numerical superiority, 1616 01:25:05,012 --> 01:25:07,014 greater equipment and greater supply lines. 1617 01:25:08,276 --> 01:25:11,540 Caesar is completely outgunned. 1618 01:25:11,671 --> 01:25:15,501 He is in a win-or-die situation, 1619 01:25:15,631 --> 01:25:17,807 and time is not on his side. 1620 01:25:23,857 --> 01:25:26,294 We have him pinned down, here. 1621 01:25:27,817 --> 01:25:30,385 All we need to do is starve him out. 1622 01:25:31,299 --> 01:25:32,518 - CATO: How long? - Perhaps a month. 1623 01:25:33,519 --> 01:25:35,260 A month? 1624 01:25:35,390 --> 01:25:37,000 How much money will that cost the Republic? 1625 01:25:38,176 --> 01:25:40,439 Cato, this is our best option. 1626 01:25:41,527 --> 01:25:44,921 He will surrender. Fewer lives will be lost. 1627 01:25:45,052 --> 01:25:47,881 I think you're losing your nerve... 1628 01:25:48,925 --> 01:25:50,013 old man. 1629 01:25:51,450 --> 01:25:52,668 Pompey doesn't want to fight, 1630 01:25:52,799 --> 01:25:53,930 but Pompey is under pressure 1631 01:25:54,061 --> 01:25:55,497 from his fellow nobles. 1632 01:25:55,628 --> 01:25:57,151 They do want to fight a battle, 1633 01:25:57,282 --> 01:25:59,066 they believe that they can defeat Caesar. 1634 01:26:02,983 --> 01:26:03,897 You want a battle? 1635 01:26:06,508 --> 01:26:07,509 Have it your way. 1636 01:26:12,906 --> 01:26:14,386 [sighs] Pompey's taking the field. 1637 01:26:16,779 --> 01:26:18,390 Have the centurions ready the men. 1638 01:26:18,520 --> 01:26:19,739 The men haven't eaten in days. 1639 01:26:21,741 --> 01:26:24,744 Hunger makes a man fight harder, Pompey's men have grown fat. 1640 01:26:27,834 --> 01:26:29,575 Let's face it, my friend... 1641 01:26:31,403 --> 01:26:32,752 the odds aren't going to get any better. 1642 01:26:33,796 --> 01:26:35,102 [horse neighing] 1643 01:26:44,633 --> 01:26:46,548 AARON: At Pharsalus, 1644 01:26:46,679 --> 01:26:50,596 Pompey has managed to put together a massive force 1645 01:26:50,726 --> 01:26:52,119 from throughout all of the territories 1646 01:26:52,250 --> 01:26:54,034 that Pompey has conquered previously. 1647 01:26:54,164 --> 01:26:56,863 [soldiers chanting] Pompey! Pompey! Pompey! 1648 01:26:56,993 --> 01:27:00,910 AARON: Jewish mercenaries, Egyptians, Syrians and Greeks. 1649 01:27:01,737 --> 01:27:05,524 You fight for a just cause. 1650 01:27:06,394 --> 01:27:10,703 For liberty, for our laws and the Senate, 1651 01:27:10,833 --> 01:27:12,966 against one man, 1652 01:27:13,096 --> 01:27:15,795 who is seizing supreme power. 1653 01:27:15,925 --> 01:27:19,364 [war cries] 1654 01:27:19,494 --> 01:27:21,104 Pompey is up in years. 1655 01:27:21,235 --> 01:27:23,193 It has been quite some time 1656 01:27:23,324 --> 01:27:26,719 since he actually engaged in a battle and won one. 1657 01:27:26,849 --> 01:27:28,590 Top that with the fact that he has 1658 01:27:28,721 --> 01:27:30,244 an inexperienced military force 1659 01:27:30,375 --> 01:27:32,420 that he's trying to work with. 1660 01:27:32,551 --> 01:27:35,597 [soldiers chanting] Caesar! Caesar! Caesar! 1661 01:27:35,728 --> 01:27:37,512 Caesar has the veteran force, 1662 01:27:37,643 --> 01:27:40,080 Caesar's infantry are more experienced in battle 1663 01:27:40,210 --> 01:27:41,777 than Pompey's, and Pompey knows it. 1664 01:27:41,908 --> 01:27:43,170 SOLDIERS: Caesar! 1665 01:27:43,301 --> 01:27:45,999 CAESAR: Today, we face only men. 1666 01:27:47,740 --> 01:27:49,785 The same men, 1667 01:27:49,916 --> 01:27:52,571 who wanted to disband us, 1668 01:27:52,701 --> 01:27:54,224 without honors. 1669 01:27:54,355 --> 01:27:55,835 Remember, 1670 01:27:55,965 --> 01:27:59,273 they wanted this, not us. 1671 01:27:59,404 --> 01:28:00,883 [soldiers cheering] 1672 01:28:01,014 --> 01:28:03,146 Caesar has asked his soldiers to do 1673 01:28:03,277 --> 01:28:05,671 many things in the last decade, 1674 01:28:05,801 --> 01:28:07,673 but one thing that has kept them going, 1675 01:28:07,803 --> 01:28:10,719 is his intense confidence in himself. 1676 01:28:11,285 --> 01:28:15,158 This day will decide everything. 1677 01:28:15,768 --> 01:28:18,597 I order you now, advance! 1678 01:28:18,727 --> 01:28:22,644 [soldiers cheering] 1679 01:28:25,168 --> 01:28:27,519 NARRATOR: Caesar's soldiers are more battle-hardened 1680 01:28:27,649 --> 01:28:29,172 than their opponents, 1681 01:28:29,303 --> 01:28:31,566 but Pompey has a secret weapon. 1682 01:28:31,697 --> 01:28:35,614 Caesar's former lieutenant, Titus Labienus. 1683 01:28:35,744 --> 01:28:38,486 Labienus is now in command of Pompey's cavalry. 1684 01:28:39,835 --> 01:28:42,316 Caesar is now facing one of his deputies 1685 01:28:42,447 --> 01:28:44,362 who is familiar with how Caesar operates. 1686 01:28:48,931 --> 01:28:51,586 Pompey wants to push his infantry out into the center 1687 01:28:51,717 --> 01:28:54,415 and hold the line, and allow Labienus' cavalry 1688 01:28:54,546 --> 01:28:56,417 to move around, and outflank Caesar's. 1689 01:28:58,027 --> 01:29:01,901 Pompey's got about seven times as many horsemen as Caesar has, 1690 01:29:02,031 --> 01:29:05,339 and he's concentrated them on the one flank on the left. 1691 01:29:05,470 --> 01:29:08,255 Julius Caesar recognizes his cavalry is outnumbered, 1692 01:29:08,386 --> 01:29:10,257 so he adapts incredibly quickly. 1693 01:29:11,127 --> 01:29:12,085 Javelin. 1694 01:29:13,782 --> 01:29:15,175 Listen carefully. 1695 01:29:15,305 --> 01:29:17,873 [marching footsteps thumping] 1696 01:29:18,004 --> 01:29:20,746 He hides infantrymen in amongst his cavalry. 1697 01:29:20,876 --> 01:29:23,923 [shouting] 1698 01:29:27,709 --> 01:29:29,929 [swords clattering] 1699 01:29:32,235 --> 01:29:34,586 Caesar's infantrymen use their javelins 1700 01:29:34,716 --> 01:29:37,284 to thrust at the enemy cavalrymen. 1701 01:29:38,677 --> 01:29:40,026 [horse neighs] 1702 01:29:40,156 --> 01:29:42,420 [swords clanging] 1703 01:29:46,989 --> 01:29:49,035 This is a new strategy 1704 01:29:49,165 --> 01:29:51,907 that Caesar concocts for this particular battle. 1705 01:29:54,214 --> 01:29:55,955 Javelins were usually used 1706 01:29:56,085 --> 01:29:58,566 as throwing weapons in ancient warfare. 1707 01:29:59,785 --> 01:30:01,830 DOUG: Labienus' men, they are stunned, 1708 01:30:01,961 --> 01:30:03,571 taken by surprise, he starts to suffer losses. 1709 01:30:03,702 --> 01:30:05,312 Do not retreat! 1710 01:30:07,140 --> 01:30:08,620 Keep formation! 1711 01:30:09,751 --> 01:30:10,926 [Labienus groans] 1712 01:30:11,057 --> 01:30:13,189 Labienus is forced to retreat 1713 01:30:13,320 --> 01:30:15,104 and now Caesar has the initiative in the battle. 1714 01:30:17,455 --> 01:30:18,456 CAESAR: Push! 1715 01:30:19,152 --> 01:30:20,893 Come on! 1716 01:30:21,023 --> 01:30:23,722 Caesar will now send his infantry forward, 1717 01:30:23,852 --> 01:30:25,593 including his most experienced men. 1718 01:30:26,246 --> 01:30:28,074 CAESAR: Harder! 1719 01:30:28,204 --> 01:30:31,033 PABLO: Pompey's men have not fought together before, 1720 01:30:31,164 --> 01:30:33,253 whereas Caesar's men have tasted victory before, 1721 01:30:33,383 --> 01:30:34,733 they have greater confidence, 1722 01:30:34,863 --> 01:30:36,822 they smash through Pompey's line. 1723 01:30:39,128 --> 01:30:41,827 [shouting] 1724 01:30:45,352 --> 01:30:47,485 BARRY: Realizing that he has lost the battle, 1725 01:30:47,615 --> 01:30:49,922 Pompey decides to flee. 1726 01:30:50,052 --> 01:30:52,272 It's his only chance to live and fight again another day. 1727 01:30:52,402 --> 01:30:58,104 ♪ 1728 01:30:58,234 --> 01:31:01,411 ADAM: I think Pharsalus shows Caesar at his finest. 1729 01:31:01,542 --> 01:31:03,936 The ploy that he uses against Labienus' cavalry 1730 01:31:04,066 --> 01:31:05,764 is sheer genius. 1731 01:31:05,894 --> 01:31:08,984 Caesar may be a gambler but he's a smart gambler 1732 01:31:09,115 --> 01:31:11,378 and smart gamblers often win. 1733 01:31:14,033 --> 01:31:16,818 Pompey heads east through Greece and Turkey 1734 01:31:16,949 --> 01:31:20,039 and then south through Cyprus and on to Egypt. 1735 01:31:20,996 --> 01:31:23,433 BARRY: Officially, Egypt is an independent country. 1736 01:31:23,564 --> 01:31:26,524 Unofficially, it's almost a vassal of Rome. 1737 01:31:28,003 --> 01:31:30,092 Pompey thinks he can get help in Egypt, 1738 01:31:30,223 --> 01:31:32,007 because the Egyptians owe him. 1739 01:31:32,138 --> 01:31:34,662 Pompey was the patron of the king's father, 1740 01:31:34,793 --> 01:31:36,055 Ptolemy the 12th. 1741 01:31:37,404 --> 01:31:39,537 NARRATOR: Caesar stays on Pompey's heels, 1742 01:31:39,667 --> 01:31:41,147 following him to North Africa. 1743 01:31:41,277 --> 01:31:42,714 NICOLA: Caesar knows 1744 01:31:42,844 --> 01:31:45,020 that as long as Pompey is out there, 1745 01:31:45,151 --> 01:31:47,022 he hasn't won the war. 1746 01:31:47,153 --> 01:31:51,026 He needs to stop Pompey before he can rally a new army. 1747 01:31:56,858 --> 01:31:58,512 When Caesar arrives in Egypt, 1748 01:31:58,643 --> 01:32:01,080 the country is tearing itself apart. 1749 01:32:01,210 --> 01:32:03,996 The boy-king, Ptolemy Theos, is at war 1750 01:32:04,126 --> 01:32:06,085 with his older sister, Cleopatra. 1751 01:32:07,390 --> 01:32:09,871 With the help of his regent, the eunuch Pathinas, 1752 01:32:10,002 --> 01:32:12,831 Theos manages to oust Cleopatra from power, 1753 01:32:12,961 --> 01:32:14,049 for now. 1754 01:32:21,143 --> 01:32:23,015 CAESAR: Majesty, 1755 01:32:23,145 --> 01:32:26,540 I understand my countryman, Pompey, is here in Egypt, 1756 01:32:26,671 --> 01:32:28,586 I only wish to speak with him. 1757 01:32:29,804 --> 01:32:32,241 Caesar, please, join us. 1758 01:32:33,373 --> 01:32:34,504 We have a gift for you. 1759 01:32:34,635 --> 01:32:39,901 ♪ 1760 01:33:01,053 --> 01:33:03,925 DOMINIC: Pompey is stabbed to death and beheaded. 1761 01:33:04,622 --> 01:33:05,927 The Egyptian rulers at the time 1762 01:33:06,058 --> 01:33:07,276 saw the Battle of Pharsalus 1763 01:33:07,407 --> 01:33:09,191 as decisive in the civil war 1764 01:33:09,322 --> 01:33:11,237 and they wanted to curry favor 1765 01:33:11,367 --> 01:33:13,500 with the new overlord of the Roman world. 1766 01:33:16,155 --> 01:33:18,026 AMANDA: Caesar is distraught 1767 01:33:18,157 --> 01:33:20,942 when he finds out about what's happened to Pompey, 1768 01:33:21,073 --> 01:33:23,815 he does not think that the man deserved such a cruel death. 1769 01:33:30,822 --> 01:33:32,040 NICOLA: After Pompey's death, 1770 01:33:32,171 --> 01:33:34,434 Caesar spends nine months in Egypt 1771 01:33:34,564 --> 01:33:36,523 with a new ally and lover. 1772 01:33:37,872 --> 01:33:39,439 Caesar. 1773 01:33:39,569 --> 01:33:42,355 NICOLA: The Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, 1774 01:33:42,485 --> 01:33:44,357 the older sister of Ptolemy Theos. 1775 01:33:45,445 --> 01:33:46,533 CAESAR: Leave us. 1776 01:33:51,886 --> 01:33:54,541 They even have a child together, Caesarion. 1777 01:33:55,890 --> 01:33:58,023 NARRATOR: Caesar eventually leaves Egypt 1778 01:33:58,153 --> 01:34:00,329 in the summer of 47 BC, 1779 01:34:00,460 --> 01:34:02,549 nearly a year after he arrived. 1780 01:34:04,594 --> 01:34:07,510 KATHRYN: Caesar then continues fighting his enemies, 1781 01:34:07,641 --> 01:34:09,382 the remaining allies of Pompey, 1782 01:34:09,512 --> 01:34:11,166 who have regrouped under Cato 1783 01:34:11,297 --> 01:34:12,907 and are fighting in North Africa. 1784 01:34:13,821 --> 01:34:15,605 BARRY: Cato is defending the city of Utica, 1785 01:34:15,736 --> 01:34:17,129 which is a seaport. 1786 01:34:17,259 --> 01:34:20,045 The city is about to fall to Caesar 1787 01:34:20,175 --> 01:34:22,700 and Caesar offers Cato his life. 1788 01:34:22,830 --> 01:34:25,137 He says, "Ask me for pardon 1789 01:34:25,267 --> 01:34:26,791 "and I will spare you." 1790 01:34:26,921 --> 01:34:28,314 Cato refuses. 1791 01:34:28,923 --> 01:34:31,012 ADAM: Rather than submit to Caesar's will, 1792 01:34:31,143 --> 01:34:33,972 he decides that a good Roman would rather commit suicide. 1793 01:34:34,886 --> 01:34:38,280 Cato's death is exactly how he lived, 1794 01:34:38,411 --> 01:34:40,456 overly dramatic. 1795 01:34:40,587 --> 01:34:43,416 BARRY: For some people, he's gone down in history 1796 01:34:43,546 --> 01:34:45,461 as an example of a freedom fighter, 1797 01:34:45,592 --> 01:34:48,247 who would rather die than accept a dictatorship. 1798 01:34:51,424 --> 01:34:54,775 NARRATOR: Finally, more than a decade after he left for Gaul, 1799 01:34:54,906 --> 01:34:56,603 Caesar returns to Rome... 1800 01:34:58,823 --> 01:35:01,260 not as a rebel, but as its ruler. 1801 01:35:02,827 --> 01:35:05,612 AARON: When Caesar returns to Rome in 46 BC, 1802 01:35:05,743 --> 01:35:08,833 he is the unquestionable master of Rome. 1803 01:35:08,963 --> 01:35:10,748 Nobody even competes 1804 01:35:10,878 --> 01:35:14,099 when it comes to the power at Caesar's disposal. 1805 01:35:15,753 --> 01:35:17,450 NARRATOR: Rome's Empire under Caesar 1806 01:35:17,580 --> 01:35:20,583 now stretches more than 2,500 miles. 1807 01:35:20,714 --> 01:35:23,238 From the French Atlantic coast, 1808 01:35:23,369 --> 01:35:25,110 to the river Euphrates in Syria. 1809 01:35:27,373 --> 01:35:29,679 NICOLA: Julius Caesar is bestowed with the highest honor 1810 01:35:29,810 --> 01:35:32,682 that a Roman official could receive, a triumph. 1811 01:35:32,813 --> 01:35:35,468 It's an extensive military parade 1812 01:35:35,598 --> 01:35:37,644 that welcomes him back into the city. 1813 01:35:38,340 --> 01:35:40,560 PABLO: Caesar has his face painted red, 1814 01:35:40,690 --> 01:35:42,867 because for one of [indistinct], 1815 01:35:42,997 --> 01:35:45,783 the triumph symbolizes that this one man 1816 01:35:45,913 --> 01:35:48,655 is being given the privilege of becoming a god. 1817 01:35:48,786 --> 01:35:51,397 [all cheering] 1818 01:35:51,527 --> 01:35:53,051 PATRICK: All the while 1819 01:35:53,181 --> 01:35:54,443 that Caesar's going through this triumph, 1820 01:35:54,574 --> 01:35:55,705 there's a slave with him, 1821 01:35:55,836 --> 01:35:57,316 whispering in his ear, 1822 01:35:57,446 --> 01:35:58,970 "Remember you are mortal. 1823 01:35:59,100 --> 01:36:00,536 "Remember you are mortal." 1824 01:36:00,667 --> 01:36:02,321 "Remember, you are not a god." 1825 01:36:02,451 --> 01:36:05,063 Even at the peak of his accomplishments, 1826 01:36:05,193 --> 01:36:06,629 there is still somebody there to remind Caesar 1827 01:36:06,760 --> 01:36:07,805 to keep his feet on the ground. 1828 01:36:11,634 --> 01:36:13,071 NICOLA: As part of the triumph, 1829 01:36:13,201 --> 01:36:15,160 high-profile prisoners are executed 1830 01:36:15,290 --> 01:36:17,205 in front of the crowds. 1831 01:36:17,336 --> 01:36:19,947 PABLO: Poor Vercingetorix has been waiting for six years 1832 01:36:20,078 --> 01:36:23,516 since his defeat at Alesia, to be executed in Rome. 1833 01:36:29,217 --> 01:36:31,611 This triumph is establishing the narrative 1834 01:36:31,741 --> 01:36:34,179 "Caesar is the hero that conquered Gaul for Rome. 1835 01:36:34,309 --> 01:36:36,834 "Here is the leader of the Gauls being executed for us. 1836 01:36:38,183 --> 01:36:40,446 [gargling] 1837 01:36:40,576 --> 01:36:42,274 This is our moment to gloat, 1838 01:36:42,404 --> 01:36:44,667 on our victory and our conquest of Gaul. 1839 01:36:53,546 --> 01:36:56,723 Caesar's big challenge is to try to unite Rome 1840 01:36:56,854 --> 01:36:58,377 behind his unparalleled power. 1841 01:36:58,507 --> 01:37:00,248 But the problem with that 1842 01:37:00,379 --> 01:37:03,034 is Rome is supposed to be a republican democracy. 1843 01:37:04,949 --> 01:37:07,038 Caesar's dominance is completely abnormal 1844 01:37:07,168 --> 01:37:08,561 in Rome's recent history. 1845 01:37:08,691 --> 01:37:10,215 It only happened once before 1846 01:37:10,345 --> 01:37:12,347 within in Caesar's lifetime, with Sulla. 1847 01:37:17,265 --> 01:37:19,615 PATRICK: Caesar has the Senate declare him dictator. 1848 01:37:19,746 --> 01:37:21,791 At this point, the Senate has no fight left in it, 1849 01:37:21,922 --> 01:37:23,054 Caesar has won. 1850 01:37:24,925 --> 01:37:27,754 PABLO: Dictator is a form of exceptional power 1851 01:37:27,885 --> 01:37:29,974 that was supposed to be temporary. 1852 01:37:30,626 --> 01:37:33,325 Caesar is using this as a fig leaf 1853 01:37:33,455 --> 01:37:35,240 to hide the fact there are no limits 1854 01:37:35,370 --> 01:37:36,589 to his influence and power. 1855 01:37:42,073 --> 01:37:44,989 NARRATOR: Caesar now uses his unprecedented power 1856 01:37:45,119 --> 01:37:46,991 to pass reforms he thinks are needed 1857 01:37:47,121 --> 01:37:48,906 to transform a crumbling republic. 1858 01:37:52,039 --> 01:37:53,823 PHILIP: Caesar believes 1859 01:37:53,954 --> 01:37:57,001 that the Roman Republic cannot function anymore, 1860 01:37:57,131 --> 01:38:00,352 because it was set up to rule over a small city 1861 01:38:00,482 --> 01:38:03,485 and they're now ruling over a vast empire. 1862 01:38:03,616 --> 01:38:05,574 The forms of government in a republic 1863 01:38:05,705 --> 01:38:07,272 simply can't manage this. 1864 01:38:09,143 --> 01:38:11,276 ADAM: Caesar has come to the conclusion, 1865 01:38:11,406 --> 01:38:13,931 that the only way to save the Republic, 1866 01:38:14,061 --> 01:38:16,934 is to fundamentally destroy and rebuild it. 1867 01:38:17,891 --> 01:38:20,024 He needs to create a new system, 1868 01:38:20,154 --> 01:38:21,851 centered around him. 1869 01:38:21,982 --> 01:38:24,202 No longer will there be open elections, 1870 01:38:24,332 --> 01:38:26,639 optimates and populares, 1871 01:38:26,769 --> 01:38:28,815 now there will only be Caesar's will. 1872 01:38:30,860 --> 01:38:32,601 As Caesar's power grows, 1873 01:38:32,732 --> 01:38:34,995 he looks for new ways to display that publicly, 1874 01:38:35,126 --> 01:38:37,258 to legitimate his new role. 1875 01:38:45,832 --> 01:38:47,965 [indistinct talking] 1876 01:38:50,793 --> 01:38:52,926 ROBERT: Caesar wears a purple robe 1877 01:38:53,057 --> 01:38:54,754 whenever he pleases. 1878 01:38:54,884 --> 01:38:56,321 Now, this is significant, 1879 01:38:56,451 --> 01:38:58,976 because purple is the color of royalty. 1880 01:39:05,460 --> 01:39:07,071 NICOLA: Caesar has his dictatorship 1881 01:39:07,201 --> 01:39:08,898 extended in perpetuity. 1882 01:39:09,029 --> 01:39:13,338 He will now rule as a sole ruler for life. 1883 01:39:22,347 --> 01:39:24,392 PABLO: Caesar now has greater power 1884 01:39:24,523 --> 01:39:26,568 than the man he hated and ran away from, 1885 01:39:26,699 --> 01:39:27,874 the dictator Sulla. 1886 01:39:29,310 --> 01:39:32,531 ROBERT: For a guy who claims to be a populares, 1887 01:39:32,661 --> 01:39:36,143 for someone who stands up for the little guy, 1888 01:39:36,274 --> 01:39:39,712 now he begins to lose his mind with hubris. 1889 01:39:39,842 --> 01:39:44,064 This was a man who used to be a reformer 1890 01:39:44,195 --> 01:39:47,372 and now he just wants absolute power. 1891 01:39:47,502 --> 01:39:51,767 Caesar has always been a populares 1892 01:39:51,898 --> 01:39:53,595 in name only. 1893 01:39:53,726 --> 01:39:55,510 He is not interested 1894 01:39:55,641 --> 01:39:58,644 in improving the lot of the people. 1895 01:39:59,601 --> 01:40:02,648 The people were always just a means to an end. 1896 01:40:04,084 --> 01:40:05,564 You're sure this is the right thing to do? 1897 01:40:07,131 --> 01:40:09,176 I'm the most powerful man Rome has ever seen. 1898 01:40:10,003 --> 01:40:11,918 It's time to make it official. 1899 01:40:12,049 --> 01:40:14,268 ANTONY: Long-serving Senators might not take well to it, 1900 01:40:14,399 --> 01:40:15,965 even Sulla was careful with them, 1901 01:40:16,096 --> 01:40:17,750 not to make them feel disrespected. 1902 01:40:18,533 --> 01:40:19,578 They'll do nothing. 1903 01:40:20,840 --> 01:40:22,407 They owe me their lives. 1904 01:40:22,537 --> 01:40:25,453 - But the Republic-- - I am the Republic. 1905 01:40:26,324 --> 01:40:29,588 With each success, Caesar's ambitions grow. 1906 01:40:31,329 --> 01:40:32,808 What else is there, 1907 01:40:32,939 --> 01:40:36,464 than Rome and the power of ruling Rome? 1908 01:40:36,595 --> 01:40:38,988 There hasn't been a king for 400 years. 1909 01:40:39,119 --> 01:40:42,122 Could he possibly even become a king? 1910 01:40:42,644 --> 01:40:43,776 It's a gamble. 1911 01:40:45,256 --> 01:40:46,257 Yes. 1912 01:40:47,388 --> 01:40:48,259 But you forget... 1913 01:40:49,825 --> 01:40:50,826 I never lose. 1914 01:40:50,957 --> 01:40:56,832 ♪ 1915 01:40:56,963 --> 01:40:57,790 ] 1916 01:41:00,184 --> 01:41:02,229 SHELLEY: Caesar, from the beginning, 1917 01:41:02,360 --> 01:41:05,798 from Sulla's demand to divorce Cornelia... 1918 01:41:07,234 --> 01:41:08,888 he was a gambler. 1919 01:41:09,018 --> 01:41:12,805 He was willing to throw those dice. 1920 01:41:15,329 --> 01:41:17,940 AARON: Rome had been founded by kings 1921 01:41:18,071 --> 01:41:22,380 and it was that foundation that Caesar had invoked, 1922 01:41:22,510 --> 01:41:25,818 all the way back at Cornelia's funeral. 1923 01:41:26,862 --> 01:41:28,342 For Caesar, 1924 01:41:28,473 --> 01:41:30,649 the only place he has left to go, 1925 01:41:30,779 --> 01:41:32,825 is to become an outright king 1926 01:41:32,955 --> 01:41:35,175 and fulfill that political mission 1927 01:41:35,306 --> 01:41:38,439 that he had set for himself years previously. 1928 01:41:38,570 --> 01:41:40,049 ADAM: At a public festival, 1929 01:41:40,180 --> 01:41:42,530 he has Mark Antony try to crown him, 1930 01:41:42,661 --> 01:41:44,228 to see how the crowd will react. 1931 01:41:44,358 --> 01:41:46,491 The people ask me, 1932 01:41:46,621 --> 01:41:49,146 to give Caesar this crown. 1933 01:41:50,582 --> 01:41:52,845 NARRATOR: Caesar is gambling 1934 01:41:52,975 --> 01:41:55,064 that the Roman people will accept their first king 1935 01:41:55,195 --> 01:41:57,154 in 400 years. 1936 01:42:00,722 --> 01:42:03,116 [audience boos] 1937 01:42:03,247 --> 01:42:05,162 It's a wager that backfires. 1938 01:42:08,600 --> 01:42:11,777 Jupiter alone 1939 01:42:11,907 --> 01:42:14,345 is king of the Romans. 1940 01:42:15,389 --> 01:42:16,347 I'm no king... 1941 01:42:18,044 --> 01:42:19,828 but only Caesar. 1942 01:42:19,959 --> 01:42:22,179 [audience applauding] 1943 01:42:23,397 --> 01:42:24,790 BARRY: Senators could never accept 1944 01:42:24,920 --> 01:42:26,400 the possibility of a king in Rome, 1945 01:42:26,531 --> 01:42:28,141 that would be the death of the Republic, 1946 01:42:28,272 --> 01:42:30,404 the death of everything that they held sacred. 1947 01:42:30,535 --> 01:42:31,971 For them, this would be a line 1948 01:42:32,101 --> 01:42:33,538 that they would never be willing to cross. 1949 01:42:35,322 --> 01:42:36,671 PABLO: Within the Senate, 1950 01:42:36,802 --> 01:42:38,760 a growing group is now beginning 1951 01:42:38,891 --> 01:42:40,849 to organize opposition against Caesar. 1952 01:42:40,980 --> 01:42:42,895 Around 60 Senators are ever less comfortable 1953 01:42:43,025 --> 01:42:44,853 with Caesar's growing power 1954 01:42:44,984 --> 01:42:47,726 and start to accuse him of becoming a tyrant. 1955 01:42:49,597 --> 01:42:51,512 NARRATOR: One month after the failed crowning, 1956 01:42:51,643 --> 01:42:53,340 on March 15th... 1957 01:42:54,472 --> 01:42:56,648 the Ides of March, 1958 01:42:56,778 --> 01:42:59,216 Caesar is invited to meet a group of Senators. 1959 01:43:00,086 --> 01:43:05,047 ♪ 1960 01:43:07,136 --> 01:43:08,399 AMANDA: One of the leaders 1961 01:43:08,529 --> 01:43:10,052 of the conspiracy against Caesar, 1962 01:43:10,183 --> 01:43:12,229 is a man named Marcus Brutus. 1963 01:43:14,579 --> 01:43:15,928 Caesar. 1964 01:43:16,668 --> 01:43:17,756 Please, a petition. 1965 01:43:19,018 --> 01:43:20,672 [Caesar groans in pain] 1966 01:43:20,802 --> 01:43:22,413 [all groaning] 1967 01:43:25,938 --> 01:43:27,592 [Caesar screams out] 1968 01:43:40,039 --> 01:43:42,781 Is it you, my son? 1969 01:43:44,652 --> 01:43:46,654 AMANDA: The words that are known throughout the world 1970 01:43:46,785 --> 01:43:48,613 as being Caesar's final words are, 1971 01:43:48,743 --> 01:43:51,093 "Et tu, Brutes?" "And you, Brutus?" 1972 01:43:51,224 --> 01:43:53,792 But these words don't originate in the ancient sources, 1973 01:43:53,922 --> 01:43:56,403 they actually originate with Shakespeare. 1974 01:43:57,491 --> 01:43:59,276 BARRY: What he said to Brutus was, 1975 01:43:59,406 --> 01:44:00,451 "You, too, child?" 1976 01:44:01,669 --> 01:44:03,802 Brutus' mother, Servilia, 1977 01:44:03,932 --> 01:44:06,413 was Caesar's long-time mistress 1978 01:44:06,544 --> 01:44:08,720 and there're even those who say 1979 01:44:08,850 --> 01:44:12,114 that Brutus was Caesar's natural child. 1980 01:44:15,466 --> 01:44:17,946 PATRICK: Every gambler will tell you that, eventually, 1981 01:44:18,077 --> 01:44:19,557 their luck is going to run out. 1982 01:44:20,732 --> 01:44:22,516 Caesar gambled and gambled and gambled 1983 01:44:22,647 --> 01:44:24,562 until, eventually, he lost. 1984 01:44:25,258 --> 01:44:27,129 In the end, there's a real tragic irony 1985 01:44:27,260 --> 01:44:28,653 in Caesar's life. 1986 01:44:28,783 --> 01:44:32,047 That he ran from a despot dictator 1987 01:44:32,178 --> 01:44:34,006 and he comes full circle 1988 01:44:34,136 --> 01:44:36,138 to actually end his life as one. 1989 01:44:40,099 --> 01:44:42,406 BARRY: Caesar's assassins are hoping to kill him 1990 01:44:42,536 --> 01:44:44,582 and to bring the old Republic back. 1991 01:44:44,712 --> 01:44:46,932 In practice, the result is a disaster. 1992 01:44:47,062 --> 01:44:50,849 The assassins do not successfully restore democracy. 1993 01:44:52,807 --> 01:44:54,243 ADAM: When Caesar dies, 1994 01:44:54,374 --> 01:44:56,550 there are just too many 1995 01:44:56,681 --> 01:44:58,509 ambitious, powerful men around him. 1996 01:44:58,639 --> 01:45:00,249 There's Mark Antony, 1997 01:45:00,380 --> 01:45:03,470 who thinks of himself as his protégé. 1998 01:45:03,601 --> 01:45:06,865 SIMON: But Mark Antony is not Caesar's chosen heir. 1999 01:45:06,995 --> 01:45:09,171 Instead, his will nominates 2000 01:45:09,302 --> 01:45:12,218 his cunning great-nephew, Octavian. 2001 01:45:12,958 --> 01:45:15,264 [soldiers shouting] 2002 01:45:15,395 --> 01:45:17,354 PABLO: The next few years of Roman history 2003 01:45:17,484 --> 01:45:20,487 are a colossal struggle over five separate civil wars. 2004 01:45:20,618 --> 01:45:22,707 Particularly between Mark Antony and Octavian, 2005 01:45:22,837 --> 01:45:24,839 to inherit Caesar's power. 2006 01:45:24,970 --> 01:45:26,798 Octavian comes out on top 2007 01:45:26,928 --> 01:45:29,322 and becomes the first-ever Emperor of Rome, 2008 01:45:29,453 --> 01:45:32,020 establishing what we now know as the Roman Empire. 2009 01:45:32,151 --> 01:45:34,545 Crucially, Octavian never declares himself king. 2010 01:45:35,546 --> 01:45:37,461 PHILIP: The Roman Empire survived in the west 2011 01:45:37,591 --> 01:45:39,550 for another 500 years, 2012 01:45:39,680 --> 01:45:42,770 and the east, for another 1,500 years. 2013 01:45:42,901 --> 01:45:45,904 And, really, it all goes back to Julius Caesar. 2014 01:45:48,515 --> 01:45:49,908 CLIFFORD: Even though Julius Caesar 2015 01:45:50,038 --> 01:45:52,650 did not himself become the emperor, 2016 01:45:52,780 --> 01:45:55,870 there's a reason why later European monarchs 2017 01:45:56,001 --> 01:45:58,046 named themselves after Caesar, 2018 01:45:58,177 --> 01:46:00,005 because he establishes an example, 2019 01:46:00,135 --> 01:46:01,833 for well or ill, 2020 01:46:01,963 --> 01:46:05,271 of what leadership and conquest looked like. 2021 01:46:06,533 --> 01:46:08,056 NICOLA: So, during World War I, 2022 01:46:08,187 --> 01:46:10,058 you have in Germany the Kaiser 2023 01:46:10,189 --> 01:46:12,539 and in Russia you have the Czar. 2024 01:46:12,670 --> 01:46:15,934 Both of these words come from the Roman "Caesar." 2025 01:46:16,064 --> 01:46:18,806 Caesar's legacy is dictatorship itself. 2026 01:46:18,937 --> 01:46:22,027 The excuse that a democracy, when it's in trouble, 2027 01:46:22,157 --> 01:46:24,812 can be resolved by giving all power to one man. 2028 01:46:25,596 --> 01:46:28,381 Every dictator since, including Napoleon, 2029 01:46:28,512 --> 01:46:30,731 Mussolini, Pinochet, 2030 01:46:30,862 --> 01:46:33,386 is always drawing on Julius Caesar. 2031 01:46:34,300 --> 01:46:35,910 BARRY: Caesar was a great man, 2032 01:46:36,041 --> 01:46:37,608 he was equally good 2033 01:46:37,738 --> 01:46:40,567 at politics, at war, and at literature. 2034 01:46:40,698 --> 01:46:43,135 But he's also a murderous man, a violent man. 2035 01:46:44,615 --> 01:46:47,052 A man who commits genocide. 2036 01:46:47,182 --> 01:46:48,619 [screams triumphantly] 2037 01:46:48,749 --> 01:46:50,447 AARON: It is unfortunate, 2038 01:46:50,577 --> 01:46:54,320 that in people that have this exceptional genius, 2039 01:46:54,451 --> 01:46:58,150 you also find an exceptional ambition. 2040 01:47:01,370 --> 01:47:03,068 There was so much 2041 01:47:03,198 --> 01:47:05,897 that Caesar could have accomplished 2042 01:47:06,027 --> 01:47:08,029 for the Roman state, 2043 01:47:08,160 --> 01:47:11,424 that to see him finally get wrapped up in his own power, 2044 01:47:11,555 --> 01:47:13,731 is ultimately a tragedy. 2045 01:47:14,645 --> 01:47:16,081 ADAM: I think what Julius Caesar teaches us, 2046 01:47:16,211 --> 01:47:17,648 more than anything else, 2047 01:47:17,778 --> 01:47:19,693 is that there is a danger 2048 01:47:19,824 --> 01:47:21,913 with unparalleled ambition, 2049 01:47:22,043 --> 01:47:23,915 matched with unparalleled ability. 2050 01:47:24,045 --> 01:47:25,830 Power corrupts 2051 01:47:25,960 --> 01:47:27,962 and absolute power corrupts absolutely. 2052 01:47:28,093 --> 01:47:31,357 When you think you are the smartest person in the room 2053 01:47:31,488 --> 01:47:33,577 and the only one with all the answers... 2054 01:47:33,707 --> 01:47:36,623 Let the dice fly high! 2055 01:47:36,754 --> 01:47:38,016 ...disaster awaits.