Caesar and the Roman Republic
This is where my academic time and leisure time collide. I have recently started watching the HBO show ‘Rome’ which chronicles Gaius Julius Caesar and his rise to power via the overthrow of the Roman Republic. Unlike alot of the HBO offerings, this one focuses on more than just gore and nudity (although much is present) and instead turns to the political realm, often tackling issues of democracy.
Once Caesar had secured his place as leader of the Roman Republic (or whatever republican elements were left of it), he began a process of reform, all aimed to better suit the needs to the people. It is important to note that throughout his decidedly illegal military coup of Rome, he had the support of the people, and more importantly, their protected representative, the People’s Tribune. This was because the previous Republican government, which was democratic to a point, had sustained a reign of terror to preserve their power, and thus the typical Roman was poor and oppressed. Once firmly in power, land reforms, anti-corruption measures, and public works projects all accompanied his self appointment for life.
The show tells a narrative that few others do. This is one where the general who embarks on a military coup and takeover of civilian democratic government is praised by both the people, and more importantly the script. As far as the tone of the drama goes, Caesar is on the correct moral path, despite the elected politicians who cry over the death of Roman democracy. Unlike the pro-western democratic values and plots which permeate most of today’s pop-culture offerings, it is refreshing to see one which portrays a dictatorship as a good thing. Not necessarily because it is, but rather because it is good to express a multiplicity of views.