Caesar dictates when the sun rises and when it sets

Julius Caesar 102 – 44 B.C

The revolution of Rome begins with the tale of this great historical figure. His power, dominance and persuasion lead to the death of a republic, and the birth of an Empire. I am talking about Julius Caesar, dictator of the Roman Empire. 

As a young man, he rose through the ranks and gained power through the first Triumvirate, which included himself, Crassus, the richest man in Rome and Pompey, a famous military leader. Caesar was cunning. He convinced them to work with him to win the election and control of the Senate. He was really the third man, as he had no money or position, but there was something special about him. He had a special glow and the charisma that nobody else had. As a sign of good faith, Caesar gave Pompey his only daughter, Julia’s hand in marriage.

With Crassus and Pompey’s influence in the political world, Caesar won the election for Consul.

Caesar knew that military victories were what really mattered, so he headed north for glory and gold. He was a brilliant speaker, he could relate to people and he could make you do whatever he wanted you to do by giving a speech. His army loved him for this. Not only was he a great motivator, but he knew how to put the men of his army in a position where he knew they would succeed. He shared their toils and danger and stood amongst them in battle.

All of Caesar’s glory and fame was making the conservatives in the Senate nervous and they knew the real danger was in Julius Caesar. They were willing to do anything to stop him. 

After Crassus was killed and Pompey’s wife Julia died while giving birth, there was nothing to tie Caesar and him together. The triumvirate was over and they were now enemies. The conservatives named Pompey the soul consul whose only task was to stop Caesar, but he feared his army, who were loyal to him.

After 10 years of conquer and glory, Caesar had taken the Roman Empire away from the Mediterranean world and was ready to go back to Rome to be recognized as the leading man. His enemies feared and hated him because he had put them in the shadows. At this point, his army’s belief in hin was unshakable and their dedication to him was absolute. Pompey had now gathered an army two times larger than Caesar’s in numbers, but Caesar’s men were confident and they knew they would succeed. Pompey was able to escape and Caesar followed him into Greece. Eventually, Pompey was tricked, killed and beheaded.

Caesar had now gained the power he had craved his whole life and became dictator of all of Rome. He isolated himself, refusing to share power with the lesser nobles.

Marcus Brutus, a protégé of Caesar grew increasingly resentful of him, he did not want to be second to Caesar. The conservatives saw this as an opportunity to convince Brutus to betray him.

Not long after, Caesar was stabbed 23 times and killed. The city loved Caesar and the empire was overrun with violence and rioting for a long time to come.