Julius Caesar: Early Life & Family

Early Life & Family

• Gaius Julius Caesar born July 12th, 100 BC in Rome.
• Parents were Gaius Julius Caesar and Aurelia Cotta.
• Family was noble, claiming descent from powerful ancestors.
• Origin of the name "Caesar" debated: Caesarean section, slaying of an elephant, or thick, curly hair.
• Family not particularly rich or influential in Roman politics.
• Father was a senator and mother was from a wealthy family.
• Caesar had to mature quickly after his father's death at age 16.
• Caesar married the daughter of his uncle's ally, Lucius Cornelius Cinna, during Rome's civil war.
• Caesar's uncle, Marius, was a powerful figure who granted Caesar the position of high priest of Jupiter.
• Caesar and his family lost their power and influence after Sulla's victory in the civil war.
• Caesar was stripped of his priesthood and inheritance for his survival.
• He went into hiding for safety.
• Caesar was allowed to return from hiding due to his mother's family support of Sulla.
• He was stripped of his priesthood, which aided his survival and allowed him to avoid military service.

Rise to Military Distinction

• After Sulla's death, Caesar joined military campaigns, gaining experience in Asia.
• He became a distinguished military figure, earning respect and recognition for his contributions to victories.
• Caesar's inheritance loss compelled him to live a simple life in the Subura, Rome's lower-class neighborhood.
• His experiences in the Subura shaped his understanding of ordinary people's struggles.
• Caesar's skills as a prosecutor were renowned; he successfully brought down corrupt governors with powerful speeches.
• Caesar was famously kidnapped by pirates and held for ransom.
• He commanded a higher ransom, emphasizing his worth as a captive.
• He assembled a fleet, captured the pirates, and had them crucified as promised.
• However, Caesar demonstrated mercy by first ordering their throats to be slit.
• He resumed military service in Asia.
• Upon returning to Rome, he secured public office, initiating his political career.

Political Ascendancy

• At 37, despite opposition, Caesar was elected Pontifex Maximus, the chief priest of Roman state religion.
• He was elected senior Roman consul at 41, facilitated by influential friends.
• Caesar joined the First Triumvirate with Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus (Pompey) and Marcus Licinius Crassus.
• The Triumvirate was a secret alliance formed to prevent any leader from becoming too powerful.
• Caesar prioritized redistributing public land to impoverished Romans, using forceful means if necessary.
• His reforms and support for lower classes gained him immense popularity but stirred enemies in the Roman aristocracy.
• Caesar’s power grew despite financial challenges.
• He sought wealth and glory in Gaul (parts of Western Europe, inhabited by Germanic tribes threatening Rome).
• He successfully campaigned in Gaul and expanded influence into Britain.

The Fall Out of the Triumvirate and Civil War

• Caesar's influence in Gaul increased through campaigns against numerous European tribes. Though his first British invasion was unsuccessful.
• His success earned respect but also stoked fears among his opponents about his growing influence.
• The Triumvirate faced tension, including the death of Caesar's daughter, who was married to Pompey.
• Pompey, further fracturing the alliance, married the daughter of one of Caesar's enemies.
• Crassus' death exacerbated the Triumvirate's instability.
• Caesar continued campaigns in Gaul, successfully defeating, and conquering about 300 tribes and destroying 800 cities.

Confrontation with Pompey and the Rise of Caesar

• The Senate, led by Pompey, demanded that Caesar disband his legions and return to Rome, accusing him of insubordination and treason.
• Caesar refused, marching toward Italy with a loyal legion, declaring, “The die is cast”.
• Pompey fled to Spain with his troops, allowing Caesar to secure Rome.
• Caesar pursued Pompey in Spain defeating his allies, and faced Pompey in the Battle of Dyrrhachium.
• Pompey initially controlled resources, preventing Caesar from receiving supplies; however, Pompey's own resources diminished as the harvest approached, giving Caesar an advantage.
• Although initially pushed back due to Pompey's greater forces, both sides ultimately retreated to rally more troops and provisions.

Pompey Fled and Caesar's Victories in the East and Africa

• The armies regrouped, meeting again at the Battle of Pharsalus in Greece.
• Pompey held superior numbers and supplies, hoping to starve Caesar's army.
• The Senate compelled Pompey to attack, resulting in a decisive Caesar victory.
• Pompey fled to Egypt, was executed, and his severed head delivered to Caesar, greatly upsetting Caesar, leading to Egypt campaign.
• Caesar took revenge on the Egyptian Pharaoh, installing Cleopatra as ruler.
• Caesar and Cleopatra had a relationship.
• Continuing military campaigns, Caesar easily defeated Eastern armies.
• He then successfully led campaigns in Africa taking on Roman enemies, and had sufficient victory.
• Caesar's military expeditions concluded in Spain.

Social Reforms and Assassination

• Caesar's victories and mercy made him increasingly popular.
• He held the dictator position for another ten years and initiated social reforms.
• Reforms included tax reform, grain subsidies, debt reduction, support for veterans, Roman citizenship for outlying territories, limitations on luxury purchases, and creation of the Julian calendar.
• Caesar organized lavish games involving the killing of hundreds of wild animals and over 2000 war captives.
• He was assassinated on March 15th, 44 BC, at the age of 55.
• Killed by Roman elites worried about his power and reforms.
• Marcus Junius Brutus was a key leader among the assassins, despite a close friendship with Caesar.
• Caesar's passing sparked outrage among the common folk, who viewed him as a champion against corruption.
• This led to civil wars, ultimately resulting in Octavian (Caesar's grandnephew) becoming Rome's first emperor.

Legacy and Famous Saying

• Caesar is considered a prominent military leader of ancient Rome.
• His famous saying is: "Veni, vidi, vici" (I came, I saw, I conquered).

Explore the early life and family background of Gaius Julius Caesar, born into a noble yet politically vulnerable lineage. Learn about his upbringing, his family's challenges, and key relationships that shaped his early years amidst civil unrest in Rome. This quiz delves into the powerful influences and adversities that marked the young Caesar's path.