Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar was a Roman politician, general and writer who helped transform the Roman Republic. Born in Rome in 100 BCE into a patrician family, he rose through public office, political alliances and military command. In 59 BCE, he became consul. He gained lasting influence through the Gallic Wars, fought from 58 to 50 BCE, when Roman armies conquered much of Gaul under his command.

The campaigns brought him wealth, prestige and the loyalty of soldiers. Caesar also wrote an account of the Gallic Wars, an important ancient source, although his narrative was designed in part to present his actions in a favorable light. Tensions with the Senate increased as Caesar's power grew.

In 49 BCE, after being ordered to surrender his command, he crossed the Rubicon with his army, helping to trigger a civil war. After defeating rivals, he returned to Rome and was appointed dictator, becoming dictator for life in 44 BCE. He introduced political reforms and supported a calendar reform that produced the Julian calendar, introduced in 46 BCE.

Some senators feared that his authority threatened the Republic. On 15 March 44 BCE, Caesar was assassinated in Rome by conspirators including Brutus and Cassius. His death did not restore the Republic; further civil wars followed. His great-nephew and heir, Octavian, eventually became Augustus, the first Roman emperor. Caesar himself was never emperor.