Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator

Caesar consolidates his grip on Rome, progressively granting himself ever‑greater powers and authority, effectively openly marginalising traditional republican checks. His increasingly tyrannical rule, as his power expands, provokes a handful of senators to conspire in a plot to assassinate him.

Ides of March is a programme presented as an episode, titled to reflect the historic date that has come to signify betrayal. It is a self‑contained instalment that focuses on a pivotal moment in Roman history, offering a concise narrative within the broader series. The story follows Julius Caesar as he tightens his grip on the city, progressively bestowing upon himself ever‑greater authority. His increasingly autocratic rule begins to alienate members of the Senate, whose growing unease sets the stage for a dangerous conspiracy. Caesar’s consolidation of power is portrayed as a deliberate march toward absolute control, with each new privilege he claims further eroding the traditional republican checks on his rule. The episode highlights how his tyrannical approach, rather than uniting Rome, sows distrust among the governing elite. In response to his overreach, a small faction of senators covertly organises a plot to end his life. Their scheme, driven by the belief that Caesar’s domination threatens the Republic, becomes the central tension of the episode, underscoring the fatal consequences of unchecked ambition.