William Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" is the first of three Roman history plays that Shakespeare would write. Closely based on actual events as chronicled in Plutarch's "Lives," it is the story of the tragic downfall of Julius Caesar and of those who conspire against him. At the beginning of the play it is feared that Julius Caesar wishes to make himself the King and thus dictator of Rome. From this fear a plan to kill him is hatched. Some of Shakespeare's most memorable lines can be found here in what is considered by many to be one of the greatest tragedies ever written.