Caesar's Writings Flashcards
Whose funeral oration did Caesar deliver excellently?)
That of his paternal aunt, Julia
Why are Caesar’s works, such as Iter and On analogy, lost to us?
The monks copying out the ancient manuscripts considered them unimportant
What tragedy did Caesar write and what does it tell us?
Oedipus. Although it is lost to us, as is his poem/speech In Praise Of Hercules, the themes of these works include the suffering of man at the hands of the gods and suggest some degree of religious skepticism
Of which style of writing is Caesar the most famous exponent?
The Attic style, in which an emphasis is put on studied simplicity. It is contrasted with the more ornate Asiatic style favoured by Cicero.
What are the only publications of Caesar’s that have come down to us?
Caesar’s commentaries on his ears; De Bello Gallico on the wars in Gaul and De Bello Civili on the civil war.
Describe briefly the composition of the 8 books of De Bello Gallico.
The first seven books were written in Gaul, each covering a year from 58-52BC. An eight book carries the story to the outbreak of the civil war but was written by Caesar’s lieutenant Hirtius.
Describe the composition of Caesar’s De Bello Civili.
There are three books, describing the events of 49 and 48 BC but are unfinished. Caesar portrays himself as involuntarily fighting necessary wars.
What is the ‘Bellum Alexandrium?’
It is a book written by Caesar’s lieutenant Hirtius about the events of 47 BC, attributed to Caesar.
Why does Caesar refer to himself in the third person?
To make the text look more objective although it is biased in his favour.
For whom did Caesar write?
He wrote not only to impress Cicero and other senators but also to impress the craftsmen and wage workers who voted in the assemblies. Caesar belonged to the populares who sought legitimacy through the popular assembly.
Comment briefly on Caesar’s style as a writer.
His style is mostly simple and Attic. However. It does not ex live occasional dazzling phrases which show his ability as a writer.
Did Caesar ever exaggerate his own importance in Roman victories? Give an example to prove your point.
Yes; in the Gallic War, Caesar explains how he overcame the Nervii in the Battle of the Sabis but a more sober analysis reveals it was his subordinate T. Labienus who acted decisively.
Did Caesar give shout outs to other supporters and soldiers in his writing? Why?
Yes because many of them were released to powerful Romans who would’ve been appreciative that their kinsmen were mentioned eg young Quintus Cicero
Why did Caesar exaggerate the barbarism of the Gauls?
To remind the Romans that he was fighting dangerous savages and to glorify Rome as a centre of culture
What’s the difference between Hirtius’ eight book of De Bello Gallico and the seven by Caesar?
Hirtius mentions unsuccessful Roman actions and cruel executions of defeated enemies that wouldn’t have fitted Caesar’s narrative
