Julius Caesar Essay -- essays research papers fc

The Life And Death of Gaius Julius Caesar In my opinion, no other man in the history of the world symbolizes military and political strength as much as Julius Caesar does. Caesar was born on July 12, 100 BC in Rome, Italy (Encarta 2000). His father belonged to the prestigious Julian clan (Internet Explorer) His uncle by marriage was Gaius Marius, leader of the Populares which supported agrarian reform and opposed the Optimates (Comptons Encyclopedia). Marius saw to it that Julius Caesar was appointed flamen dialis which is a archaic priesthood with no power. Caesar's marriage in 84 BC to Cornelia, the daughter of Marius's associate was a political Match (Lindsay Salo). When Lucius Cornelius Sulla, Marius's enemy and leader of the Optimates, was made dictator in 82 BC, he issued a list of enemies to be executed. Caesar was not harmed but he was ordered by Sulla to divorce Cornelia. Caesar refused that order and left Rome to join the army (Lindsay Salo) (Comptons Encyclopedia). This wa s the beginning of an astonishing military career. He became second in command of the province Asia (Turkey) (Lindsay Salo). In two years he proved his bravery and superior skills at arms. After these years and Sulla's resignation in 78 BC, Julius decided to return to Rome. There he served as an officer in Crassus's army against Spartacus, Caesar climbed steadily in the government by serving as an official in many provinces (Internet Explorer). After the death of his wife Cornelia, Julius remarried a wealthy wife and allied with Crassus, who was the richest man in Rome at the time (Internet Explorer). Their opponent was Pompeius Magnus (the Great). Caesar wanted to become part of the consulate. The consulate was a governmental position where two consuls, nominated each year, held the power of the state. Caesar was hoping that he and Crassus would become the powerful consuls of the Roman Empire. However, the Senate tried to stop his efforts by pitting Crassus, Pompeius and Caesar aga inst each other. Caesar noticed this and did something believed impossible. Julius created an alliance among himself, Crassus, and Pompeius (Encarta 2000). The alliance made it possible for them all to share power. This three way consulship was called a Triumvirate (Internet Explorer). This agreement dictated the Roman policy for the next decade. They shared all offices between them and their followe... ...y corrupt tax system, extended Roman citizenship, and sponsored colonies of veterans. Also Caesar's reform of the calendar gave Rome a rational means of recording time which was very important (Encarta 2000). However, a number of senatorial families felt that Caesar threatened their position. Thus, on the 6th of March 44 BC, the so called Ides of March, Caesar was murdered by Marcus Brutus, Gaius Cassius, and his two trusted commanders of his old legions Decimus Brutus and Gaius Trebonius (Encarta 2000). Caesar was stabbed twenty-three times. While the blood poured out of his wounded body the great dictator of Rome silently pulled his toga over his head and fell at the foot of a statue of Pompeius (Internet Explorer). In conclusion, Julius Caesar was probably the greatest man of his time and the most successful. It was Caesar who ended the Roman republic and paved the way for the later Roman emperors (Encarta 2000). From his early life to his death no other man accomplished as mu ch as he did. Julius Caesar in my opinion was the greatest soldier and dictator of all time. By Vince Henecker Bibliography 1. Compton's Encyclopedia 2. Encarta 2000 3. Internet Explorer 4. Lindsay Salo