Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar (100 BC – 44 BC) was a Roman statesman, general, and notable author of Latin prose. He played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.

Early Life

Born into the Julii Caesares, a patrician family that claimed descent from Iulus, son of the legendary Trojan prince Aeneas, supposedly the son of the goddess Venus. Despite being from a noble family, the Julii Caesares were not rich by the standards of the Roman nobility.

Political Career

Caesar's political career was marked by his alliance with Marcus Licinius Crassus and Pompey. This alliance, known as the First Triumvirate, was an unofficial political alliance that was opposed by the conservative elite within the Roman Senate. Caesar's victories in the Gallic Wars, completed by 51 BC, extended Rome's territory to the English Channel and the Rhine.

Assassination

Caesar's increasing power and perpetual dictatorship status, which he was granted in 44 BC, led to his assassination in the same year. The conspirators, led by Brutus and Cassius, killed Caesar on the Ides of March (15 March) hoping to restore the normal running of the Republic. However, the result was a series of civil wars, which ultimately led to the establishment of the permanent Roman Empire by Caesar's adopted heir Octavius (later known as Augustus).

Legacy

Caesar's legacy is marked by his military and political achievements. His changes to the calendar, resulting in the Julian calendar, are still recognized today. His name has been used for the titles of emperors across Europe, such as Kaiser and Tsar.

See Also

• Roman Republic
• Roman Empire
• First Triumvirate
• Gallic Wars
• Ides of March