Julius Caesar

Gaius Julius Caesar (born on July 13, 100 B.C.) is one of the most easily recognized and influential figures in world history. A brilliant military and political leader, he played a critical role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the autocratic Roman Empire.

A skilled politician of the populares tradition, he formed an unofficial triumvirate with Marcus Licinius Crassus and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus which dominated Roman politics for several years. He was opposed in the Senate by optimates like Marcus Porcius Cato and Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus. In the conquest of Gaul, he extended the Roman empire all the way to the Atlantic Ocean; he also conducted the first invasion of Britain in 55 B.C. The eventual collapse of the triumvirate led to a stand-off with Pompey and the Senate. Caesar led his legions across the Rubicon, beginning a civil war in 49 B.C. from which he emerged the undisputed master of the Roman world.

Upon assuming control of the government, Caesar began extensive reforms of Roman government and society. He heavily centralised the bureaucracy of the Republic, and was proclaimed dictator for life. However, a group of senators who hoped to restore the Republic assassinated Caesar on the Ides of March (March 15, 44 B.C.). They were led by Caesar's former friend Marcus Junius Brutus. However, the result was only another civil war, which ultimately led to the establishment of a permanent autocracy by Caesar's adopted heir, Gaius Octavianus. Two short years after his assassination, the Senate officially deified Caesar.

Much of Julius Caesar's life is known from his own Commentaries on his military campaigns, and other contemporary sources, including the letters and speeches of Cicero, the historical writings of Sallust, and the poetry of Catullus. Many details of his life are also recorded by later historians, such as Appian, Suetonius, Plutarch, Cassius Dio, and Strabo.

During his lifetime, Caesar was considered to be one of the best orators and authors of prose in all Rome. Even his political rival Cicero spoke highly of his rhetorical style. Among his most famous works were his funeral oration for his paternal aunt Julia, and his Anticato, a document written to blacken Cato's reputation and respond to Cicero's Cato memorial. Unfortunately, the majority of his works and speeches have not been preserved.