Julius Caesar

Gaius Julius Caesar was born in 100 B.C., part of the Julian family, a patrician clan with a history going back to Rome's early days. He became involved in the disorderly politics of the late Roman Republic, becoming Praetor, Governor of Outer Spain, and eventually Consul in 59.

Caesar established his military reputation in Gaul (now France). In the early years he thwarted Helvetian and German invasions of the region. (He also invaded Britain briefly.) His most serious challenge came from the Arvernian King Vercingetorix, whom he defeated at Alesia in 52. This victory soon left Rome in undisputed control of Gaul, but Caesar's growing prestige made him a threat to much of Rome's elite.

Caesar had formed an informal political alliance with fellow generals Pompey and Crassus in 1860. This triumvirate became a force to be reckoned with in Rome, not without opposition. But Crassus lost his life in the Parthian expedition of 53, and friction grew between the two survivors. After the Senate ordered him to relinquish his command, he marched on Rome in 49, starting a civil war against Pompey and his supporters.

Caesar chased Pompey into Greece and defeated him at Pharsalus in 48, quashing remaining resistance over the next few years. Not daring to take the title of King, he declared himself Dictator, making it a lifetime position in 44. But political opposition remained, and shortly afterward he was murdered on the Senate floor.

Caesar's heir Augustus ultimately gained full power over Roman territory. Though he paid lip service to Rome's republican traditions, the Republic was dead. Caesar had made crucial permanent changes such as calendar reform, and the next five centuries would be the age of the Roman Empire.

For background reading, you can try T.P. Wiseman's Julius Caesar of the Pocket Giants series.

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