Julius Caesar is one of the most well-known ancient Romans today for his many victories, successful strategies, and political reforms. Most notably, he is remembered for his unprecedented climb to power, during which he held several offices simultaneously before he was given the dictatorship, and finally the title "Perpetual Dictator."
Gaius Julius Caesar—commonly known as Julius Caesar—was born July 12, 100 BCE. Caesar decided to become the High Priest of Jupiter to support his family when his father died suddenly, leaving him as head of the family.
When Sulla declared himself dictator, he purged his enemies and those who believed in the Populare ideology, which included Julius Caesar. Caesar was stripped of his position as priest and joined the army in order to provide for his family. He was a good soldier and was promoted but, after Sulla died, Julius became a successful orator (lawyer). He was elected military tribune, and married the granddaughter of the former Emperor Sulla.
In time, Caesar gained prominence in Rome. He was successful in establishing stability in Spain. As a result, Caesar was awarded a consulship by the Senate, and, upon returning to Rome, made an agreement with Crassus and Pompey, which is now called the First Triumvirate. The three men ruled Rome together with Caesar as consul; they made policies in favor of the Populare faction, which kept Caesar safe from his Optimate enemies.
The First Triumvirate deteriorated in Rome while Caesar conquered Gaul and invaded Britain and Crassus was killed in battle. Pompey became the sole military and political power and demanded Caesar return to Rome as a private citizen. Instead, Caesar crossed the Rubicon River into the city with his army in 49 BCE, a historic moment which Pompey considered a threat.
When Pompey eventually fled to Egypt, he was immediately killed because Egypt had already chosen to support Caesar. Caesar declared martial law and took over the palace, and he and Cleopatra became lovers. Together, they had a son, Ptolemy Caesar, or Caesarion. During this time, Caesar held permanent tribunician powers, which meant he could veto the Senate. He had also been declared dictator and held several positions of power simultaneously during his reign.
Back in Rome, Caesar gave Cleopatra and their son Caesarion a house, which he often visited despite already being married to Calpurnia. Though the Senate was enraged by his indiscretion, they still granted Caesar the title Dictator Perpetuus - dictator for life. As dictator, he made many reforms; he distributed more land to the poor and reformed veteran land laws. He changed the calendar - hence the Julian calendar - established a police force, did away with the tax system, and more. He acted without consideration of the Senate and made many changes about which the senate was not happy.
Fearing that he was becoming too powerful and close to a king, the senators assassinated Caesar on March 15, 44 BCE in the portico of the basilica of Pompey the Great. In 42 BCE, during gladiatorial games in Caesar's honor, a comet was regarded as divine confirmation, and Caesar was given the title Divius Julius - the Divine Julius.
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
“Experience is the teacher of all things.”
“Men freely believe that which they desire.”
Julius Caesar was a Roman general, politician, and writer who played a critical role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. He is important because his leadership, reforms, and eventual assassination helped shape Western civilization and the future of government.
Caesar's major achievements include conquering Gaul, initiating important social and political reforms in Rome, creating the Julian calendar, and centralizing power as dictator, which changed Roman governance.
Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15, 44 BCE, known as the Ides of March, by a group of Roman senators who feared his growing power. He was stabbed multiple times in the Senate.
Caesar’s rule ended the Roman Republic and set the stage for the rise of the Roman Empire. His reforms improved daily life for many Romans, but his concentration of power led to political conflict and civil war.
Julius Caesar is studied because his life and decisions influenced history, politics, literature, and government. Learning about Caesar helps students understand leadership, democracy, and the consequences of political power.