Julius Caesar

Lore & Background

In 60 BC, Caesar formed the First Triumvirate with Crassus and Pompey. His military victories in the Gallic Wars (completed by 51 BC) expanded Roman territory, including invasions of Britain and a bridge across the Rhine. His growing power threatened Pompey, who realigned with the Senate. In 49 BC, Caesar crossed the Rubicon, starting a civil war he won by 45 BC. He then enacted reforms: the Julian calendar, reduced grain dole, veteran colonies, enlarged Senate, and extended citizenship. Proclaimed dictator in perpetuity in early 44 BC, he was assassinated on the Ides of March by senators led by Brutus and Cassius.

Reader's Guide

Caesar's significance lies in his role as a pivotal figure whose actions ended the Roman Republic and paved the way for the Roman Empire. His military campaigns, especially the Gallic Wars, greatly expanded Roman territory and demonstrated his strategic skill. His civil war against Pompey and subsequent consolidation of power as dictator perpetuo broke traditional republican norms, leading to a series of civil wars after his death. His reforms, such as the Julian calendar, had lasting impact. His writings, including accounts of his campaigns, are key historical sources. The title 'Caesar' became synonymous with emperor, influencing later titles like Kaiser and Tsar. Historians regard him as one of history's greatest military commanders, and his life has been frequently depicted in literature and art.

Did You Know?

• Caesar was born on 12 or 13 July 100 BC into the patrician gens Julia, which claimed descent from the goddess Venus.
• He refused Sulla's order to divorce his wife Cornelia, leading to a period of hiding and eventual compromise.
• He created the Julian calendar to replace the republican lunisolar calendar.
• His cognomen 'Caesar' later became a synonym for emperor, giving rise to 'Kaiser' and 'Tsar'.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"Inscription on the triumphal wagon reported in The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius, as translated by Robert Graves (1957)." — Julius Caesar "Ἑλληνιστὶ πρὸς τοὺς παρόντας ἐκβοήσας, «Ἀνερρίφθω κύβος», [anerrhíphtho kúbos] διεβίβαζε τὸν στρατόν." — Julius Caesar "He [Caesar] declared in Greek with loud voice to those who were present 'Let the die be cast' and led the army across." — Julius Caesar "Sed fortuna, quae plurimum potest cum in reliquis rebus tum praecipue in bello, parvis momentis magnas rerum commutationes efficit; ut tum accidit." — Julius Caesar