Gaius Julius Caesar Flashcard Example #12198

Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 B.C.) was a Roman general and politician who overthrew the Roman Republic and established the rule of the emperors.

Roman general and statesman. A great military commander and brilliant politician, he defeated formidable rivals to become dictator of Rome. After the death of Sulla, Caesar became military tribune.

As pontifex maximus, he directed reforms in 63 B.C. that resulted in the Julian calendar. He formed the First Triumvirate in 60 B.C. with Pompey and Crassus, instituted agrarian reforms and created a patrician-plebeian alliance.

He conquered Gaul for Rome (58-49 B.C.) and invaded Britain (54 B.C.). Refusing Senate demands to disband his army, he provoked civil war with Pompey.

Caesar defeated Pompey at Pharsalus in 48 B.C. and pursued him to Egypt, where he made Cleopatra queen. After further victories, he returned to Rome in 45 B.C. and was received with unprecedented honours, culminating in the title of dictator for life.

He introduced popular reforms, but his growing power aroused resentment. He was assassinated in the Senate on March 15 by a conspiracy led by Cassius and Brutus.

Caesar bequeathed his wealth and power to his grandnephew, Octavian (later Augustus) who, together with Mark Antony, avenged his murder.