Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BCE) was a Roman general, statesman, and dictator whose military conquests, political reforms, and assassination transformed the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. His name became synonymous with imperial power, giving us the words Kaiser and Tsar.

How Did Julius Caesar Rise to Power?

Caesar rose through the traditional Roman political career (cursus honorum) but broke its conventions. He formed the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus to dominate Roman politics. As governor of Gaul, he spent nine years (58-49 BCE) conquering what is now France, Belgium, and parts of Germany and Britain, building an army personally loyal to him and writing his own account (De Bello Gallico) that shaped public perception back in Rome.

What Does Crossing the Rubicon Mean?

In 49 BCE, the Roman Senate ordered Caesar to disband his army and return to Rome as a private citizen, which would have left him vulnerable to prosecution. Instead, he led his army across the Rubicon River into Italy, an act of war against the Republic. His famous declaration (traditionally rendered as "the die is cast") committed him to civil war. Crossing the Rubicon has since meant passing a point of no return.

Why Was Julius Caesar Assassinated?

After defeating his rivals in civil war, Caesar was appointed dictator perpetuo (dictator in perpetuity) in February 44 BCE. A group of senators, led by Brutus and Cassius, feared he intended to make himself king and end the Republic. They stabbed him to death in the Theatre of Pompey on March 15 (the Ides of March), 44 BCE. The assassination failed to save the Republic and instead triggered another civil war.

What Is Caesar's Legacy?

Caesar's adopted heir Octavian became Augustus, the first Roman Emperor. Caesar reformed the Roman calendar (the Julian calendar was used until 1582). His military and political career demonstrated how a republic could be undermined by one man's ambition. Talk to Julius Caesar on HoloDream about power, ambition, and the price of empire.