Notes On Julius Caesar

• Played a critical role in the transformation as Rome from a republic to an empire.

• Caesar was born into a patrician family.

• There is not much recorded about his childhood.

• Formative years were tough, hard

• His father dies in 85 BCE so at 16 years old he was the head of his family

• Caesar left Rome to join  the army and won the Civic Crown award for playing an important role during a siege 

• In 63 BCE he ran for the position of the chief priest for the Roman state religion (Pontifex Maximus)

• Ran for consul in 60 BCE, won and took the position for 59 BCE

• Soon became in political debt

• Aristocracy tried to limit his power

• Once his term in ended, left his province in order to avoid prosecution

• Defeated tribes of Gaul and joined alliances

• Meeting was held to have Caesar's governorship renewed (5 years)
• Helped built a bridge over the Rhine River
• Revolts start in Gaul, Caesar cannot control it
• 50 BCE Pompey ordered Caesar to disband his personal army
• He was accused of treason and insubordination
• Defeated Pompey, was named dictator of Rome
• Soon became involved in Egyptian civil war, sided with Cleopatra
• 47 BCE- Cleopatra is announced ruler
• Wiped out the king of the middle east
• Was appointed dictator for the next ten years