George Orwell recognized the key role that history plays in perpetuating power when he said, "Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past." Today progressive historians are challenging conventional notions of mainstream history. They are shaking up the academy and its shibboleths about the past. One such example comes from ancient Rome. We all know the story. Caesar was a tyrant and deserved to be assassinated. The guys that did him in were democrats. A closer look at what went on in 44 B.C. reveals a radically different picture.

Michael Parenti
Michael Parenti is one of this country's foremost independent political analysts. He has taught at major colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad. He is the author of numerous books including the classic "Democracy for the Few" and the highly acclaimed "The Assassination of Julius Caesar." His latest book is "Contrary Notions."