Julius Caesar: A Life of Ambition
Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BCE) rose from an aristocratic but modest background to become master of Rome. His life demonstrates both the heights of personal achievement and the dangers of unchecked ambition.
Early Life
- Born July 12 or 13, 100 BCE
- Claimed descent from Venus
- Father died when Caesar was 16
- Aligned with populares (people's faction) against optimates (aristocrats)
Political Rise
- Survived Sulla's proscriptions
- Military service earned respect
- Lavish games as aedile built popular support
- Elected pontifex maximus (chief priest)
- Governor of Spain showed military promise
The First Triumvirate (60 BCE)
- Pompey: Greatest general
- Crassus: Wealthiest man
- Caesar: Rising political star
This informal arrangement dominated Roman politics for a decade.
Conquest of Gaul (58-50 BCE)
- Conquered territory of modern France
- Bridged the Rhine, invaded Britain
- Defeated Vercingetorix at Alesia
- Made himself fabulously wealthy
- Created personally loyal veteran army
Civil War (49-45 BCE)
- Crossed the Rubicon: "The die is cast"
- Defeated Pompey at Pharsalus
- Pursued enemies to Egypt, Africa, Spain
- Emerged as sole ruler of Rome
Dictatorship and Death
- Extended citizenship
- Reformed calendar
- Public works projects
- Clemency to former enemies
- Appeared on coins, sat on throne
- Assassinated on the Ides of March, 44 BCE
Legacy
- His heir Octavian became Augustus, first emperor
- July named for him
- "Caesar" became title for emperors
- Warned of dangers of unchecked ambition