Julius Caesar - I came, I saw, I met my doom

Image from ID3501_Mosaic_@Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze

Image from Rijksmuseum van Oudheden, Leiden

Image from ID9101_Cup_1_@Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze

Image from ID10305_Ring Caesar_@Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze

Image from ID9101_Cup_2@Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Firenze

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Our first ever exhibition as H’ART Museum is of Caesar’s life and times, titled ‘I came, I saw, I met my doom.’ Experience Caesar through a collection of almost 150 historical objects—all telling one of the most exciting stories in world history. Walk through his famous rise from ordinary Roman to lauded general, all the way to his infamous downfall and murder. Explore his alliance (and affair) with Cleopatra as well as their legacy. He created cultural waves felt from Shakespeare to modern-day films. As you journey through these artefacts, untangle the myths to bring you closer to the reality of Julius Caesar’s victory and rule, his highpoints, and dark sides. We want you to ultimately decide for yourself, in today’s world, who he is to you.

Julius Caesar - I came, I saw, I met my doom

Dates

Tue 3 Oct10:00 - 17:00

Wed 4 Oct10:00 - 17:00

Thu 5 Oct10:00 - 17:00

More dates

Location

H'ART Museum

Nieuwe Keizersgracht 1

1011 RL Amsterdam

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Contact

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Exhibition set up

The life story of Julius Caesar (101 or 100 – 44 BCE) is told through nine scenes. Starting with the myth-making that has defined his image for us. Followed by an overview of his career; from brilliant politician to consul of Rome. The visitor then enters another world: that of Caesar's war in Gaul—an illustration of his career as a general with attention to war crimes. Whether Caesar's troops would have fought in the Netherlands is also discussed here, followed by an impressive setting that depicts the luxurious Rome in the time of Caesar.

After which Cleopatra and Egypt are central. Subsequently, Caesar's assassination is unravelled as a plot, from omens that foretell doom to his doom. The empire of Caesar's successor, Augustus, opens a new chapter in the exhibition, followed by his legacy and a final scene in which the audience can reflect on Caesar's person and actions.

Caesar and Cleopatra

Just like Caesar, the fascination for Cleopatra is of all times, with the necessary imagery and discussion. For example, the Netflix series Queen Cleopatra (2023) has recently caused quite a stir, partly due to the choice of a black African perspective. The exhibition examines the relationship between Cleopatra and Caesar. An affair that was mainly strategic. Cleopatra maintains her kingdom's independence, while Caesar secures a personal and financial bond with Egypt. They are evenly matched. Rome falls under the spell of Egyptian culture, a direct result of the relationship between Cleopatra and Caesar. Obelisks, pyramids and a shrine to Isis rise in the middle of the city. Egypt is in vogue. Some examples of this can be seen in the exhibition.

Cruel or heroic

His death is perhaps the most famous political assassination ever. More than two thousand years later, his legacy is still relevant today. The dictator after whom the month of July is named, from whom we derive the title emperor, is said to have had a passionate relationship with Cleopatra and who violently subjected parts of present-day Europe to his rule.

He was a source of inspiration for many, from Shakespeare to Napoleon. Julius Caesar unravels myths and approaches the reality of his victories and legacy, of highlights and dark sides. How do we look at him in 2023? Whether we find him cruel or heroic is something that you, as a visitor, can judge for yourself afterwards.