Life of Gaius Julius Caesar

Early Life

• Born on July 12th, 100 BCE in Rome.
• Parents from influential families:
  • Father: a praetor governing near modern-day Istanbul.
  • Mother's family produced many consuls.
• Childhood largely unknown; biographies by Suetonius and Plutarch begin at his teenage years.

Rise to Power

• Became head of his family at age 15 after his father died in 85 BCE.
• Uncle Gaius Marius lost a war and was exiled.
• Opponent Sulla stripped Caesar of inheritance, forcing him into hiding.
• Persuaded by mother's family, Sulla pardoned Caesar.
• Joined the Roman army, winning the civic crown for valor at Mytilene.

Political and Military Career

• 79 BCE: Sulla stepped down as dictator, then died a year later.
• Kidnapped by pirates; raised his ransom to 50 talents of gold, paid, then hunted and killed the pirates.
• 73 BCE: Became a pontifex (Roman priest).
• Elected military tribune, beginning his political career.
• 63 BCE: Elected Pontifex Maximus (head priest).
• 62 BCE: Became a praetor.
• Governed Hispania Ulterior (Southern Spain) in 61 BCE.
• 60 BCE: Ran for and won consulship, forming the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus.

Conquest and Civil War

• As consul, gained control over four legions (~20,000 soldiers).
• 58-50 BCE: Conquered Gaul (modern-day France).
• 50 BCE: Ordered by Senate, led by Pompey, to return to Rome without his army; he refused.
• 49 BCE: Crossed the Rubicon, sparking civil war; said "the die is cast."
• Civil war lasted four years; Caesar emerged victorious in 45 BCE.

Dictatorship and Assassination

• 44 BCE: Proclaimed himself dictator in perpetuity.
• March 15th, 44 BCE: Assassinated by senators; stabbed 23 times.
• No evidence he said "et tu, Brute?" during assassination.

Aftermath

• Assassination led to the collapse of the Roman Republic.
• Civil war ensued; in 27 BCE, adopted son Octavian became head of the new Roman Empire.

Conclusion

• Julius Caesar's life was marked by military brilliance, political acumen, and dramatic demise.
• His legacy continued through the Roman Empire led by his adopted heir, Octavian.