CSI: Rome

The Assassination of Julius Caesar

Did Julius Caesar know he was going to be assassinated? Was there a single killer or were dozens of men involved? What were the reasons for the assassination? You will answer these and other questions as we look back at one of history’s greatest crimes. Using evidence gathered from the crime scene, testimony of those involved and later historical writings we will explain a 2,000 year old murder.

You and your group members are responsible for gathering evidence and indicting who exactly was involved in the murder of Julius Caesar. You will then present your evidence to the class, argue against the “defendant” then as a class, we will vote as to who we think killed Caesar.

Instructions:

Part I: Gathering Evidence

  1. At each station read and examine the provided evidence.
  2. Write the answers to the questions on your agent report about the evidence and list any information it gives you about the murder or those involved on your agent report.
  3. You will have approximately 5 minutes at each station to examine and then answer questions. You will then move to the next station. You must work quickly.
  4. After you have completed all 8 stations, answer the questions on the sheet attached. *Each answer must include at least 4 complete sentences and is due TOMORROW*

WARNING: Some pieces of evidence seem to go against each other so you will need to decide which you trust more. If you answer questions as you go you may find yourself doubting your own answer. Wait until you are finished!

Part II: Indictment

  1. As a group, after you decided who was responsible for the murder of Caesar and answered the questions surrounding Caesar’s death, gather your three BEST arguments, and present the evidence to the class as to who committed the murder of Caesar.
  2. Use the indictment sheet to help organize your thoughts and prove your case.
  3. You will turn this in, along with your notes, agent report, and investigation answers to the class.
  4. You can use visuals, quotes and posters to argue your case.
  5. I will give you 1/2 class period to gather your evidence for your argument. This is when you need to create visuals and gather quotes to present.
  6. You will have 4 minutes to prove your case to the class.
  7. After all the cases have been presented, we will vote as a class who had the best indictment (you cannot choose your own) and who you agree murdered Caesar.
  8. The scores will be as follows:

1st: 100points

2nd: 95 points

3rd: 90 points

4th: 85 points

5th: 80 points

Whoever argues their points the BEST, will win their case and earn the most points.

Name:

Period:

Group #:

Indictment Evidence Questions:

Questions: (Answer at least 5 complete sentences on your own paper).

  1. Why do you think Caesar was assassinated?
  1. How many senators do you think were involved? Why?
  1. What evidence is there that Caesar knew the assassination was going to happen and why do you think Caesar ignored this information?
  1. What happened as a result of the assassination?