Julius Caesar, a successful military general and politician, has returned to Rome after conquering Gaul. He is celebrated as a hero by the people, but his popularity and power arouse jealousy and fear in many nobles, including some in the Senate.
The play opens with a group of tribunes, led by Flavius and Marullus, attempting to quell a celebration in Caesar's honor. They are concerned about Caesar's growing power and the potential threat it poses to the Republic. This initial conflict sets the stage for the political intrigue and power struggles that unfold throughout the play.
In the midst of these tensions, two men, Brutus and Cassius, discuss their concerns about Caesar's ambitions and the threat he poses to the Republic. They plan to assassinate him to prevent him from becoming a tyrant.
Overall, the beginning of Julius Caesar presents a complex political landscape, characterized by power struggles, conflicts, and divisions within the Roman society.