Julius Caesar: The Life and Legacy of a Roman Dictator

Early Life

Julius Caesar was born on July 12, 100 B.C. into a prominent patrician family of the gens Julia. His father, Gaius Julius Caesar, served as a governor in Asia Minor. His mother, Aurelia Cotta, was a descendant of the famous Marius family.

Julius Caesar

by Philip Freeman

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Caesar's early life was marked by political turbulence. His father died when he was 16 years old, and he became the head of the family. He was also a supporter of the popular party, which was led by his uncle, Gaius Marius.

Political Career

Caesar's political career began in 68 B.C., when he was elected as quaestor. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as curule aedile in 65 B.C. and praetor in 62 B.C.

In 60 B.C., Caesar formed the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus. Together, they dominated Roman politics for the next decade. Caesar was elected consul in 59 B.C. and was given the province of Gaul to govern.

Caesar's campaigns in Gaul were immensely successful. He conquered the entire region and subjugated many of its tribes. His victories brought him great fame and popularity.

Civil War

In 49 B.C., Caesar crossed the Rubicon River with his legions, marking the beginning of the Roman Civil War. He defeated Pompey's forces at the battles of Pharsalia and Thapsus. Pompey fled to Egypt, where he was assassinated.

After his victory, Caesar was declared dictator of Rome. He ruled for five years, during which time he enacted a number of reforms. He expanded the Roman Empire, granted citizenship to many provincials, and reformed the calendar.

Assassination

On March 15, 44 B.C., Caesar was assassinated by a group of senators led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus. The assassins were motivated by a fear of Caesar's growing power and his ambitions to become king.

Legacy

Julius Caesar was one of the most influential figures in Roman history. His conquests expanded the Roman Empire to its greatest extent. His reforms had a lasting impact on Roman society and government.

Caesar's legacy is complex and controversial. He was both a brilliant general and a ruthless dictator. His life and career have been the subject of much debate and scholarship.

Julius Caesar

by Philip Freeman

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2371 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	428 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE