Julius Caesar (C. Iulius Caesar)

Abstract Julius Caesar (100–44 bce ) was a politician, general, and writer who reached a unique position of supremacy in the last years of the Roman Republic. While historians continue to debate Caesar's role in bringing permanent monarchy to Rome, proponents and critics alike of autocracy and military conquest throughout history have recalled his name and deeds, making him an iconic figure in western culture. The member of a relatively unsuccessful patrician family, Caesar had to work his way up the cursus honorum like an ordinary politician. He made heavy use of a family connection to the great general, Marius. Conservative senators became determined to thwart Caesar and in his consulship (59 bce ) he used force against them. This left Caesar in a precarious position. The long war he waged in Gaul, recounted in his innovative commentaries, helped Caesar's reputation to soar – and provided him with ample funds and an army. Fearful of giving up command, he invaded Italy in 49 bce and in the ensuing civil war ultimately prevailed over his old enemies, now in alliance with Pompey. The unprecedented honors bestowed on Caesar, including dictatorship for life, helped lead to his assassination on the Ides of March 44 bce .