1,034 words, 5 minutes read time.
“Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator” is a captivating three-part docudrama series produced by the BBC. It delves into the extraordinary rise and fall of Julius Caesar, the renowned Roman general and political leader, and his profound impact on history. Through a combination of dramatic re-enactments and insightful commentary, the series paints a vivid picture of Caesar’s ambitious journey, intricate plots, strategic alliances, and remarkable conquests. These tumultuous events unfold against the backdrop of the Roman Republic’s final 16 years after a 500 year run.
The documentary draws upon the expertise of notable historians and commentators, including Tom Holland, Rory Stewart, Jonathan Evans, Shelley Haley, and Shami Chakrabarti.
All are qualified to speak on this subject. Tom Holland is a historian and author who has written extensively on the ancient world. He is known for his works such as “Rubicon: The Triumph and Tragedy of the Roman Republic” and “Dynasty: The Rise and Fall of the House of Caesar”. Rory Stewart is a former British politician, diplomat, and soldier who has served in various capacities in the British government and military. Jonathan Evans is a former head of MI5, the United Kingdom’s domestic intelligence agency. Shelley Haley is a professor of Africana studies and Classics at Hamilton College in New York state. Shami Chakrabarti is a former director of the civil rights advocacy group, Liberty.
By providing diverse perspectives, they offer valuable insights into Caesar’s character and his enduring legacy albeit within a similar theme.
While the series does draw parallels between Caesar and modern-day populism, some may argue that it occasionally leans too heavily into this comparison. The portrayal of Caesar as a populist and the comparisons made between him, Donald Trump, and Jair Bolsonaro might feel heavy-handed to certain viewers.
One aspect that could benefit from further exploration is the chaos that characterized the final years of the Roman Republic. This understanding is crucial for comprehending Caesar’s potential motivations. It is important to question the assumption made by the documentary that Caesar was always inclined towards establishing tyranny. In reality, Caesar, a military leader, aimed to restore order in Rome and, arguably, safeguard the interests of the people against entrenched powers.
Contrary to the series’ implications, Caesar often upheld the law and actively pursued reforms within the Roman legal system. For instance, he opposed executing the Catilinarian conspirators because Roman law did not allow for the execution of citizens. In taking such a stance, he displayed adherence to tradition and the constitution. It is noteworthy that it was the Senate aristocrats who sought retribution at the expense of tradition and the law.
In a move exemplifying the complexity of Caesar’s actions, he resigned as sole Consul in October 45 BC and facilitated the election of two successors for the remainder of the year. By doing so, he ostensibly restored the customary Consulship, as the constitution did not recognize a single Consul without a colleague. This manoeuvre invites multiple interpretations and highlights the intricacies of Caesar’s motives. At times, it appears as though he was devoted to undermining the constitutional traditions of the Republic, while at other times, his intentions seem less clear.
During his dictatorship from 49 to 44 BC, Caesar enacted a series of constitutional reforms that arguably benefited the Roman populace. Two noteworthy examples include relieving debt by cancelling a portion of the interest owed on loans and offering grain supplements to the people of Rome. The latter measure aimed to incentivize larger families and potentially bolster the Roman army’s manpower.
One aspect where the documentary excels is its focus on Caesar’s subversion of the magisterial system. By increasing the number of annually elected magistrates, Caesar created a substantial reservoir of experienced individuals, allowing him to reward his supporters. However, this transformation also weakened the authority of individual magistrates and their respective colleges. This is just one example of how Caesar gradually drew power to himself and weakened the traditional checks and balances of the Republican system. Though in each specific case his motives are complex.
The series consistently emphasizes the perils of populism and highlights the importance of adopting caution when confronted with leaders who challenge the established political elite. While it is true that Caesar sometimes bypassed the aristocratic Senate by directly appealing to the people with proposed bills, this approach is not intrinsically morally flawed. Nevertheless, it did contribute to the escalating tension between Caesar and the Senate.
Rory Stewart’s portrayal of Cato as a principled martyr is undoubtedly captivating. However, it is equally important to acknowledge the challenges stemming from Cato’s unwavering inflexibility. For instance, when Pompey proposed a marital alliance between one of Cato the Younger’s nieces and Pompey’s son, Cato erred in rejecting the proposal. Although the series briefly acknowledges this misjudgement, it fails to deeply explore how the reactions of Cato and other opponents influenced Caesar’s increasingly aggressive stance.
It is worth contemplating whether the relentless efforts made by Cato and others to prosecute Caesar and obstruct his policies and laws played a significant role in shaping Caesar’s response. Feeling cornered and faced with constant challenges, Caesar may have felt compelled to adopt a more assertive approach to safeguard his interests and maintain his position of power.
Moreover, the turbulent times in which Caesar lived cannot be overlooked. Supporters of the Republic also frequently resorted to violence as a political tool. While the series portrays Caesar as a despot, it is crucial to consider the counterargument. Caesar made efforts to prevent state executions of Roman citizens in accordance with the law and reached out to former enemies and adversaries after his war with Pompey. Consequently, Caesar emerges as a significantly more complex figure than the series suggests, underscoring the importance of considering all facets of his character and legacy.
Overall, “Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator” is an engrossing and informative series that offers a fresh perspective on one of history’s most influential figures. Although the presentation may occasionally lean towards a one-sided view, it undeniably provokes thought and fosters a deeper understanding of this fascinating historical era.
Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator is available on BBC iPlayer.
Reviewed by Pat Harrington
Picture credit
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=91281949
