Julius Caesar: Life, Rise to Power and Assassination

Q: What books did Julius Caesar write?

Julius Caesar is best known as the author of Bellum Gallicum (The Gallic War) and Bellum Civile (The Civil War). These works are important both as historical sources and as examples of clear, influential Latin prose.

Gaius Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar was a Roman general, statesman, and writer who played a central role in the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. Celebrated for his victories in Gaul, his crossing of the Rubicon, and his rise to dictatorship, Caesar remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in ancient history.

Born in 100 BC into the ancient but financially weakened Julii family, Gaius Julius Caesar rose through a mixture of political ambition, military brilliance, personal daring, and relentless self-promotion. His career took him from a difficult youth in Rome to fame in the Gallic Wars, civil war against Pompey after crossing the Rubicon, and finally supreme power as dictator, before his assassination on the Ides of March.

Caesar's legacy extends far beyond his own lifetime. His victories, reforms, and concentration of power reshaped Roman politics, while his death triggered the final struggles that ended the Roman Republic and opened the way for Augustus. The 21-part series below follows the full arc of Caesar's life, from his early years to his political rise, military triumphs, dictatorship, and death.

Julius Caesar at a glance:

Born: 100 BC
Died: 15 March 44 BC
Known for: Conquest of Gaul, crossing the Rubicon, civil war, dictatorship of Rome
Historical significance: Helped end the Roman Republic and pave the way for the Roman Empire

Why Julius Caesar Still Matters

Julius Caesar's significance lies not only in his own achievements, but in the profound transformation of Roman politics that followed his rise. By concentrating power in his own hands, challenging the authority of the Senate, and ultimately declaring himself dictator for life, Caesar exposed the weaknesses of the Republican system. His career demonstrated that Rome's traditional institutions could no longer contain the ambitions of powerful individuals, setting the stage for the end of the Republic.

The consequences of his assassination were just as important as his life. Rather than restoring the Republic, the death of Caesar triggered a new series of civil wars that reshaped the Roman world. Figures such as Mark Antony and Octavian (later Augustus) emerged from the chaos, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Roman Empire. In this sense, Caesar's death did not halt the shift toward one-man rule - it accelerated it.

Beyond politics, Caesar's legacy endures through his writings, his reforms, and his lasting influence on Western history. His accounts of the Gallic Wars remain among the most important primary sources from antiquity, while his name itself became synonymous with imperial power, giving rise to titles such as “Caesar,” “Kaiser,” and “Tsar.” More than two thousand years later, Julius Caesar remains a defining figure in the story of Rome, embodying both the ambitions that built the empire and the tensions that brought the Republic to an end.

Explore the complete life of Julius Caesar below, from his early years and political rise to his military campaigns, dictatorship, and assassination.

Part 1

Early Years

Gaius Julius Caesar was born most likely on 13th July (originally Quinctilis, but renamed in honor of Caesar after his death) in the year 100 BC. He was a member of the deeply patrician Julii family with roots dating to the foundation of the city itself.

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Part 2

Caesar in Asia

After Sulla pardoned Caesar, he still thought it a wise idea to avoid potentially falling back into disfavor. Caesar, at 20 years old, left Rome for Asia in 80 BC. He next joined the staff of the Asian governor, Praetor Marcus Minucius Thermus, and got an advance start on his military and political career.

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Part 3

Caesar and Politics

Caesar returned to Rome in 73 BC as a member of the college of Pontiffs, and immediately began working on his political career. He lived well beyond his means, and started down a course of extravagance and lavish spending, both for political gain and personal pleasure.

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Part 4

Advancement and Conspiracy

Caesar's debts were so enormous by 63 BC that he was in danger of prosecution by his debtors. In order to stave off potential disaster, Caesar made a bold political move, deciding to run for the powerful position of Pontifex Maximus (the head priest of Rome).

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Part 5

Clodius Scandal

One of the greatest social scandals in the history of Rome, the Clodius Scandal threatened reputations, delayed elections and even ended in the divorce of Caesar and his first wife. Despite the scandal, Clodius would later become an important ally of Caesar, until his erratic behavior would eventually end it.

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Part 6

First Triumvirate

Even though Caesar seemed to hold overwhelming popularity within the citizen assemblies, he had to manipulate formidable alliances within the Senate itself. Already maintaining a solid friendship with the fabulously wealthy Crassus, he approached Crassus' rival Pompey with the concept of an amicitia (coalition).

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Part 7

Gallic Wars

Julius Caesar took official command of his provinces of Illyricum, Cisalpine Gaul and Transalpine Gaul in 59 BC. His original desire was likely to pursue glory against the further reaches of Illyricum and Dacia, but events in his new provinces soon changed the plan.

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Part 8

Political Opposition

In 58 BC, Publius Clodius Pulcher, the wild patrician who scandalized Caesar's home just a few years before, now served his term as Tribune of the Plebs. In complete support of Caesar, he enacted new laws granting himself and the populares more power.

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Part 9

Crossing the Rhine

In 55 BC Caesar was busy preparing for his invasion of Britain. Whether his reasoning was retribution against opposing Gallic tribes, the search to secure more metal sources, or simply increasing his fame by being the first to cross, Caesar was prepared to make the crossing when events along the Rhine intervened.

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Part 10

Invasion of Britain

The invasion of Britain was likely planned as early as 57 BC, and certainly by 56 BC. Aid and assistance by British Celts against Roman efforts in Gaul gave Caesar the excuse he needed to justify the undertaking, but his motives were certainly far more personal and political.

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Part 11

Revolt in Gaul

As Caesar returned from his second expedition to Britain in 54 BC, there was already trouble looming in Gaul and in his personal life. He received word that his daughter Julia, wife of Pompey, had died in childbirth. This event was assuredly difficult for Caesar on a personal level, but it carried monumental political ramifications as well.

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Part 12

Crossing the Rubicon

After Caesar spent 51 BC and the better part of 50 BC touring his newly conquered province of Gaul, political chaos was developing back in Rome. The optimates despised Caesar and his conquests (viewing much of his campaigning as unwarranted and illegal) and looked for every opportunity to strip him of his command.

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Part 13

Caesar in Spain

Caesar left Rome for Hispania in the spring of 49 BC to secure the province and to defeat Pompey's seven legions that were under the command of Marcus Petreius, Lucius Afranius and Marcus Varro.

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Part 14

Battle of Dyrrhachium

In late 49 BC, Caesar and his 12 legions arrived at Brundisium, where he hoped to secure passage to Greece. An old rival, Bibulus, controlled the Ionium Sea with the Republican navy, and Caesar fretted over when and how to make a crossing.

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Part 15

Battle of Pharsalus

After his defeat at Dyrrhachium in July of 48 BC, Caesar moved swiftly into Thessaly, incorporating the towns of the region under his control. His exhausted and poorly supplied army was able to secure new sources of food and essentially become re-energized for the continuing campaign.

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Part 16

Cleopatra and Alexandrian War

Julius Caesar arrived in pursuit of Pompey at Alexandria, Egypt on 2nd October 48 BC. Presented with the head and signet ring of his rival by Theodotus, the advisor of King Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopater, Caesar reportedly wept.

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Part 17

Veni Vidi Vici

When Pompey and the Senate fled Rome from Caesar in 49 BC, he did so without an army. As a result, he was forced to draw upon the eastern provinces and allied client states for recruits and supplies. With garrisons and massive levies being shipped off to Greece to Pompey's camp, the east was left dangerously vulnerable.

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Part 18

Caesar in Rome

After Caesar's victory at Zela over the Pontic King Pharnaces, Caesar sailed for Italy, arriving in September of 47 BC. With little time left in his dictatorship, first given to him either just before or just after his arrival in Egypt, Caesar had a lot of work to do.

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Part 19

Caesar in Africa

Caesar left Sicily for the shores of Africa with seven legions, totaling about 30,000 men and 2,600 cavalry in late December 47 BC. Initially landing with only 3,000 and a handful of cavalry, some contemporary writers have suggested that Caesar suffered a number of minor defeats while waiting for the bulk of his forces.

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Part 20

Caesar the Dictator

Caesar arrived back in Rome in July of 46 BC, this time with the task of settling both the political and social situations. Though many, like Cicero, tried to persuade Caesar to return the Republic to its previous form of government, Caesar had no intention of giving up his hard fought gains.

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Part 21

Death of Caesar

The conspiracy against Caesar likely festered for a long time, but it only began to take on a legitimate threat in the early part of 44 BC. Caesar often made comments regarding his own death by suggesting he would prefer to die one death, than die countless times as a coward.

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Articles

Julius Caesar's Health Mystery: Epilepsy, Stroke, or Something Else?

Caesar the Author

While the history of Caesar is well documented, on this site and other sources, his contribution as an author is of immense historical value. Caesar meticulously tracked his own campaigns in Gaul and in the Civil War, not only for the historical record, but as propaganda against his political enemies. With his deeds in writing, and available for the populace, the Senate found it impossible to attack Caesar's popularity with the common people.

Aside from an account of his campaign, "The Conquest of Gaul" is one of the few primary source pieces of literature regarding the tribes and customs of Gallic Celts. The Civil War provides additional in-depth, though biased, analysis of this turbulent time in Roman history.

Works:

Bellum Gallicum (Gallic Wars, or Conquest of Gaul)
Bellum Civile (The Civil War)

The Rise and Fall of Rome's Greatest Conqueror: The History of Julius Caesar

by Jacob Abbott

Bringing the story of Julius Caesar to life in vivid detail, this fascinating history offers a compelling account of a Roman leader whose name has become synonymous with power, strategy, and ambition.

Ideal for history fans, students, and anyone interested in the drama of Ancient Rome, The Rise and Fall of Rome's Greatest Conqueror not only captures the grandeur and achievements of Julius Caesar's life but also offers insight into the personal traits, ambitions, and flaws of the man who changed the course of history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Julius Caesar

Who was Julius Caesar?

Julius Caesar was a Roman general, politician, and writer who played a central role in the fall of the Roman Republic. Through military success, political alliances, and civil war, he became the dominant figure in Rome before his assassination in 44 BC.

Why was Julius Caesar important?

Julius Caesar was important because his career reshaped Roman politics. His conquest of Gaul, defeat of his rivals, and dictatorship weakened the old Republican system and helped prepare the way for the Roman Empire under Augustus.

What were Julius Caesar's greatest achievements?

Caesar's greatest achievements included the conquest of much of Gaul, major victories in the Roman civil war, political and administrative reforms in Rome, and written accounts of his campaigns that became classics of Latin literature.

How did Julius Caesar rise to power?

Caesar rose to power through a combination of political skill, popular support, wealthy allies such as Crassus, military success in Gaul, and bold action during the civil war against Pompey and the senatorial opposition.

Did Julius Caesar become emperor?

No, Julius Caesar was never emperor in the later Roman imperial sense. He became dictator of Rome and held extraordinary power, but the imperial system was established by his adopted heir Octavian, later known as Augustus.

Why did Julius Caesar cross the Rubicon?

Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC because he believed his political enemies in Rome were trying to strip him of command and destroy him. By crossing the river with his army, he began the civil war that made him master of Rome.

Who killed Julius Caesar?

Julius Caesar was assassinated by a group of Roman senators led by figures such as Cassius and Brutus. They believed his growing power threatened the Republic and killed him on the Ides of March in 44 BC.

How did Julius Caesar die?

Caesar died after being stabbed multiple times during a Senate meeting on 15 March 44 BC. The assassination took place in the Curia of Pompey and triggered a new round of political chaos and civil war in Rome.

What books did Julius Caesar write?

Julius Caesar is best known as the author of Bellum Gallicum (The Gallic War) and Bellum Civile (The Civil War). These works are important both as historical sources and as examples of clear, influential Latin prose.

What happened after Julius Caesar died?

After Caesar's death, Rome descended into renewed political struggle. Mark Antony, Octavian, Lepidus, and the assassins all competed for power, and the resulting conflicts eventually ended the Republic and led to the rise of Augustus.