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To: rintense

A fantastic show, though I'm a bit bothered by the portrayal of Caesar. Killing his political enemies, even just a couple does not comport even with his opponents propaganda about him. Caesar desired power and to be the First Man in Rome, this is true.

But being possessed of a great intelligence and skill in oration and writing, he was far more willing to challenge his opponents in debate or correspondence than he'd have been to kill them.

It was his kindness (clementia) to his enemies that got him killed. Well, that and he was the last to be killed for the vision of reform that the Gracchi brothers brought to life. The Patricians killed him because he was a threat to them, not because he destroyed the Republic.

It's why Octavian killed who 'needed killing' to consolidate his power. He learned the lesson of Caesar.

----

Great scene last week in the arena. When Pullo can't even stand up and shouts "thirteen!" and Lucius brings his leather bracer up to his mouth and fights back tears. Wow!


34 posted on 11/20/2005 4:56:36 PM PST by Skywalk (Transdimensional Jihad!)
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To: Skywalk; rintense
But being possessed of a great intelligence and skill in oration and writing, he was far more willing to challenge his opponents in debate or correspondence than he'd have been to kill them.

Or bribe them. /grin

53 posted on 11/20/2005 5:11:39 PM PST by tarheelswamprat
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To: Skywalk
I thought they've portrayed Caeser as a much more sympathetic leader than history would have us believe. But you're right, he failed to keep his enemies closer. I'm very interested to see the next season and how they portray Antony vs. Octavian.
62 posted on 11/20/2005 5:35:35 PM PST by rintense
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