Julius Caesar is a problematic play ... and the other two have basically nothing interesting left to do after Antony’s funeral oration. And then, of course, there’s the problem that the ...

The practice began as an ancient Etruscan funeral ritual ... exhibitions in memory of the dead and by the time Julius Caesar was in charge, these exhibitions had become public spectacles.

He reminds the crowd of all the good Caesar has done and encourages them to mourn for him. Julius Caesar's popularity soars when he returns to Rome victorious after defeating the sons of Pompey.