4 of 7

Write now Article Tools

Julius Caesar was a military and political figure of ancient Rome. Julius was born on July 13, 100 B.C. and died March 14, 44 B.C. He played a vital role in transforming the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.

Caesar's father Gaius Caesar died suddenly when he was only sixteen. His mother Aurelia proved to be a big part of his early life. Little is known of him in early childhood. As a roman he wanted to find distinction for himself and his family. Caesar was appointed flamen dialis with the help of his uncle Gaius Marius. The position held no real distinction and it identified him with extremist politics. Caesar married Cornelia, daughter of Lucius Cornelius Cinna in 84 B.C.

Caesar was ordered to divorce his wife and he refused. We went into hiding and joined the military serving in Asia and Cilicia. He returned in 78 B.C. and began a political career as a prosecuting advocate. Caesar traveled to Rhodes to study rhetoric. On his journey there he was captured by pirates. He was able to convince his captors to pay for his ransom and this raised his prestige. He raised a naval force and had his previous captors crucified.

Around 68 B.C. Caesar was elected quaestor. Shortly after this his wife died. Caesar was elected curule aedile in 65 B.C., pontifex maximus in 63 B.C., and a praetor in 62 B.C. He was making a name for himself as a political figure. He divorced his second wife after a scandal.

Caesar was made governor of Farther Spain in 61 B.C. Caesar's next step up the political ladder was to be elected consul in 59 B.C. During that year he also married again. The next year, Caesar was appointed governor of Roman Gaul. In a span of eight years Caesar conquered Gaul. In 49 B.C., Caesar was instructed by the Senate to surrender his command.

On January 10-11, 49 B.C., Caesar crossed river separating Gaul from Italy, and started the Roman Civil War. The leaders of Rome fled and within three months, Caesar ruled of all of Italy. He then took Spain and perused his rivals all the way to Egypt.

In 48 B.C., Caesar became dictator. He returned to Rome for a while in 47 B.C. but left for Africa to crush his rivals. Caesar departed for Spain in 46 B.C. to crush unrest there. In 45 B.C., Caesar returned to Rome.

On March 15, 44 B.C., a day we call the Ides of March, Caesar entered the Senate building. An assassination plot had been hatched by a group of senators, including Marcus Junius Brutus. As Caesar entered the building, he was stabbed to death. After Caesar was killed by assassination, Rome experienced another 13 years of civil war.

Learn more about this author, Brian Lamacraft.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Biography: Julius Caesar?
We want to hear your view. Write now!