Gaius Julius Caesar
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Gaius Julius Caesar was a Roman military and political leader who defined his time and influenced world history. His brilliant tactics during wars, or in politics went unmatched during his time. Caesars likeness would be portrayed in literary works, coin minting, and statues that last to this day. His military and political career led to comparisons of Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Ghengis Khan, and Napolean Bonaparte.
Caesars early life would be marked by the turmoil of civil war and untimely deaths. The Rome that he grew up in was going through a desperate time, that saw a power struggle between the optimates and the populares. They were fighting for the command of the war with the Mithridates, who were threatening Romes eastern providence. Caesars uncle, Marius, was the leader of the populas which took control after a bloody war, and would remain in power even after his death in 86 B.C. Around this time in 84 B.C., Caesars father died suddenly while putting his shoes on one morning. At the age of 16, Caesar was the head of his family. After the deaths of Caesars uncle and father, the optimates returned to Rome to finish the civil war. They took control, and quickly targeted young Caesar because he was the nephew of Marius. The forced Caesar out of Rome, and into hiding.
Instead of returning to Rome, Caesar would join the army in Asia (Canfora 315). When he was a young soldier, crossing the Aegean sea into battle, he was kidnapped by Cilian pirates. He acted cocky and superier to the pirates who held his life in their hands. He mocked them, and assured that he would crucify each and every one of them he was released, a promise that the pirates took as a joke. They demanded a ransom of twenty “talents” of gold, however Caesar insisted they ask for fifty. After the ransom was paid, he raised a fleet, and captured the pirates placing them in a prison in Pergamon. Against Caesars wishes, the government of Asia refused to have the pirates killed, instead wanting to keep them for slaves (Meier 47). Then, in a move that would prove as a stepping stone to hs military greatness, Caesar returned on his own authority and crucified the pirates as he had promised to them when he was in captivity. Through the next few years, Caesar would rise through the military ranks on his way to greatness. He would become Romes military leader around 70 B.C. From there he would lead them into legendary battles, that showcased his genius by using tactics that were never seen before in his time. The highlights of his military career include his rout of Pompey with significantly less forces during a civil war in their country, and his annihilation of of Pharnaces army at the Battle of Zela. The victory was so swift and powerful that he commemorated it with the famous words Veni, Vidi, Vici (I came, I saw, I conqured). His army was ao effective under his command due to his amazing use of engineering abilities, and the speed in which he could move his troops. It is said that he could march his troops as many as 40 miles in a single day His engineering abilities were highlighted during his siege
of a Gallic city, which was built on a steep plateau. His engineers devised a plan to tunnel through solid rock to the source of the spring that delivered the citys drinking water. Without its main water supply, the town collapsed in days. (Meier 98). After these victories, Caesar was considered a God. His likeness was printed on coins, he was honored with great games, and statues of him were placed all over Rome. He accomplished what he wanted as a military leader, nearly tripling Romes territory. It was time for him to advance into his political regime.
Dedication, admiration, and smarts would propel Caesar through his political career with equal success of his military one. He Caesars returned to Rome in 45 B.C., he was named consul for life due to his military accomplishments. This allowed him to hold and office he wanted. He had full command of all of Romes legions, and was immune from legal prosecution.