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JCC: Roman Civil War
Caesar vs. Pompey
49 BC
In January of 49 BCE, the Roman Republic stood on the brink of collapse. Julius Caesar, having completed his conquest of Gaul, was ordered by the Senate to disband his army and return to Rome as a private citizen. Instead, he made the fateful decision to cross the Rubicon River with his legion, violating Roman law and declaring open defiance of senatorial authority. What followed was the outbreak of the Roman Civil War, a struggle that pitted Caesar against Pompey the Great and his Senate. This conflict was not merely a contest of military strength, but a clash of political ideals between the traditions of the Republic and the rising power of individual ambition. Delegatates in this JCC will be tasked with rivalries, forging alliances and deciding the future of Rome at one of its most critical turning points.
Note from the Director
On the night of January 10th BCE, Julius Caesar led a single legion across the Rubicon River. This act, seemingly small in scale, was a direct violation of Roman law and marked the point of no return. By crossing the Rubicon, Caesar openly defied the authority of the Senate and set in motion a conflict that would determine the fate of Rome.
This crisis is not merely a story of one man’s ambition; it is about the clash of power, legality and legitimacy. The Roman Republic now faces an existential challenge. Should Rome uphold the authority of the Senate under Pompey’s leadership, or should it embrace Caesar’s promises of reform, stability and strong leadership?
As delegates, you will step into the shoes of senators, generals and leaders at this pivotal moment. You will grapple with questions of law, loyalty and survival. You have to decide whether to preserve the old or accept the new. In doing so, you shape the destiny of Rome and by factor, the world.
I urge you to think critically, debate passionately and above all, immerse yourselves in the complexity of this era. The Roman Civil War was not a battle between men, but a turning point in the story and ideology of governance and power. The choices you make in this committee will determine whether the Roman Republic endures, or whether it falls.
“All roads lead to Rome”
- Alain de Lille
Sincerely,
Ethan Wu and Isaac Fong
Directors, Roman Civil War JCC (Caesarian and Pompeian)
ethanwu2027@crescentschool.org
isaacfong2029@crescentschool.org
Crescent School Model United Nations 2025
The Dais
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