What was Caesar’s legacy?
Gaius Julius Caesar, a controversial memorable character is remembered today as a politician of the Roman Republic credited with laying the foundation for the Roman Empire. Perceived as an ambitious man with a prolific military mind; widely believed to be one of the greatest the world has ever known. Also, a historian who played a quintessential role in the events that led to the decline of the Roman Republic as well as the rise of the Roman Empire. Caesar was known to have an unquenchable thirst for power. He was able to immense mountainous levels of power by launching an immensely successful political and military campaign. He then later went on to declare himself dictator for the life of the Roman Republic. This resulted in the Senate conspiring mutiny and subsequently assassinating him. Caesar’s death was crucially important in the death of the Roman Republic and the birth of the Roman Empire.
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Julius Caesar was born into a prestigious patrician family with rich ancestry claiming descent from the epic Roman hero Aeneas and his mother Venus. However, Caesar’s family lacked strong political influence as Caesar’s father never held the consulship. Unlike other historical periods where commonly nobility would be inherited through familial prestige, during this period in ancient Rome the concept of nobility came from the idea that excellence could be inherited, however, it must be proven by doing excellent things in the present. Nobility generally also indicates that a member of the family had achieved Consulship. Acquiring consulship and nobility for Caesar would mean he and his family would be able to be influential politically as they would be of higher ranks of society. A consul held the highest level of public office a politician could have hoped to achieve, being a consul meant the individual would be able to hold imperium. Imperium is a form of legal authority that meant the consul would have control over military or governmental entities. Holding imperium also meant that he could not be prosecuted for his actions while he was in office as it could be overruled by a fellow consul. This was essential to Caesar in his conquest for power and because of his father’s lack of consulship, Julius Caesar’s early life revolved around his goal of achieving nobility.
Caesar formed an informal political alliance with two other prominent political figures Crassus, whose powers stem from his incredible wealth, and Pompey, a great military general forming the First Triumvirate in 60 BC, this political alliance continued to dominate Roman politics for several years. This alliance allowed Caesar to hold extraordinary command over Gaul and Illyria for five years, allowing him to start his conquest of Gaul. Caesar’s military campaigns over the span of eight years in Gaul were immensely successful further securing his political influence and career.
Notes
- Before he rose to power, the Roman Republic was very unstable with a lot of civil wars and essentially on the brink of collapsing.
- He rose to power by exploiting the political system, but did not act in tyranny, he stabilized Rome and created a well-run government.
- The people responded in riots after his death, the Roman Republic destabilized heavily.
- Caesar was named dictator for life and the Senate didn't like it, therefore conspiring.
- A generous and effective leader
- Killed by those he granted clemency towards.
- Forming the First Triumvirate gave him extraordinary power over Gaul and Illyria for 5 years, therefore enabling him to start his conquest of Gaul.
- Sought election for consul in 60 BC for 59 BC. His reputation for incorruptibility was a strong factor in his winning
- Charismatic character/leader that engaged and inspired those who follow him. Won the hearts of the people
- Controversial character -- one of the most important aspects of his character was his leniency towards clemency and mercy.
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How Is Julius Caesar Remembered Today: Critical Essay.
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