Caesar
Caesar,
in full Gaius Julius Caesar (c.101-44 BC) Roman politician of patrician origins
but slender means, whose military genius enabled Rome to extend her empire to
the Atlantic seaboard, but whose ruthless ambition led to the breakdown of the
Republican system of government at home. In 60 BC he joined with Pompey and
Crassus (the so called First Triumvirate) to protect his interests in the
state. For nine years (58-50 BC) he conducted campaigns (the Gallic Wars) which
extended Roman power in the West. In 55 BC he invaded Britain, and on a second
invasion in 54 BC crossed the R Thames and enforced at least the nominal
submission of the SE of the island. In 49 BC, to avoid being humbled by his
enemies at Rome, he led his army across the R Rubicon into Italy and plunged
the state into civil wan Victory over the Pompeian forces at Pharsalus (48 BC),
Zela (47
BC), Thapsus (46 BC), and Munda (45 BC,) left him in sole control at Rome,
taking the title 'Dictator for Life' in 44 BC. His person was declared sacred,
his statue placed in temples, his portrait struck on coins, and the month Quintilis
renamed Julius in his honour. He was murdered by Republican-minded Romans under
the leadership of Brutus and Cassius. >> Brutus; Cassius; Gallic Wars;
Pompey; Roman history
Comments
Post a Comment