by Kay Lobegeiger

Created on: March 22, 2008

The Ides of March, an auspicious day in the annals of ancient history, saw the prediction of a seer fulfilled, when one of the most famous men in the history of the Roman Empire was stabbed to death on the steps of the forum in the centre of Rome. Julius Caesar is a name synonymous with all we have ever learned about the history of this ancient civilization. William Shakespeare wrote about him and his unfortunate demise; Cleopatra is said to have had a relationship with him and we can thank him for his input in the modern day calendar.

Born around 100BC, Julius Caesar's father died when he was sixteen. At this time he became a man and observed the requirements of an adult male in the Roman traditions. He exchanged the purple bordered toga for the plain white toga and cut his hair in the short style appropriate for an man. Around this time he decided to present himself as a candidate for the priesthood. However, Sulla, the dictator and an enemy of Caesar's, took steps to make sure Caesar was not elected. Rome was experiencing a era of much killing due to Sulla's bloodthirsty ways and Caesar was on his list of victims. Fortunately, Caesar heard of this and immediately went into hiding.

Caesar managed to outwit Sulla's soldiers and pirates when he was captured, and eventually returned to Rome where he won popularity with the people due to his eloquence and reputation as a good man. By this time Sulla's power had declined, and Caesar began to assume his role as a man of the people and had many admirers who encouraged him to climb the ladder of success. He was a spendthrift, but in the beginning the senate could see no real problem with Ceasar's actions. However, when he showed no relenting in fighting for the priesthood, the most sought after position in the state, the senate began to worry that this was a sign that Caesar was aiming for supreme power in Rome.

As a great warrior and an ambitious man, Caesar led many campaigns throughout the known countries. He was well respected by his men and would never turn from a battle, even if down to the last man. His campaigns against the Germans and the natives in Gaul made him famous and a hero in the eyes of the Roman people. Pompey was consul then, and Caesar wanted to remove him from his position. They despised each other, and Caesar had laid down very careful plans which Pompey began to fear would create problems for him if he did not act quickly. He demanded that Caesar disarm his troops before he returned to Rome and he refused Caesar's candidacy for consulship. Because of this, Caesar marched on Rome causing Pompey to flee with his commanders and Caesar was declared dictator of Rome. He showed his compassion by recalling exiles, relieving the debtors burdens and dealt with other public measures, then after eleven days he resigned and with his army continued his campaigning to increase the already large Roman Empire.

Caesar continued winning his wars across Africa and Asia, increasing his popularity at home and eventually suspicion grew as to whether Caesar intended to return Rome to a monarchy, thus making himself the sole ruler. Whether this was true or not, enemies began plotting his demise. Therefore, on the 15th day of March 44BC, a man who may have been the one to bring peace and prosperity to the Roman Empire, was stabbed to death by a group of men with no other plans but that of destroying this great warrior and statesman.

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