Julius Caesar Biography

Julius Caesar was born in 100BC in Rome to a well known, but not rich family. The young Caesar left Rome for military service in Asia and Cilicia. When the dictator Sulla died, he returned, and began his political career as a prosecuting advocate.

He travelled to Rhodes for philosophical studies and, on the way, was kidnapped by pirates. He convinced his captors to raise his ransom, then organised a naval force, captured the pirates and put them to death.

He held a number of government positions under Pompey, and was elected consul in 60 BC. In 59 BC he also became governor of Gaul and Spain. In 55 BC he attempted an invasion of Britain. Three years later, in 52 BC, he defeated a union of Gauls.

After defeating his former ally, Pompey, Caesar went on to Egypt, where he involved himself in upholding the rule of Cleopatra, who became his wife.

He was made dictator for life in 45 BC and was called Father of his Country (Pater Patriae). The month of Quintilis was re-named in his honour, and continues to be known as July. He was also the author of a large body of important political writings.

However, his apparent arrogance and ambition brought him great unpopularity and the suspicion of his peers.

Caesar was assassinated in the Roman Senate on the Ides of March of 44 BC by a group of conspirators (including his adopted son, Brutus) who wanted to save Rome from his alleged monarchical ambitions. His famous last words were immortalised by Shakespeare as "You too, Brutus?".

A bitter power struggle broke out after his death.