Caesar

Synopsis

The story of one of the most brilliant, flamboyant and historically important men who ever lived.

'A superb achievement' LITERARY REVIEW

'Combines scholarship with storytelling to bring the ancient world to life: in his masterly new CAESAR he shows us the greatest Roman as man, statesman, soldier and lover' Simon Sebag Montefiore

'Magnificent' DAILY TELEGRAPH

From the very beginning, Caesar's story makes dazzling reading. In his late teens he narrowly avoided execution for opposing the military dictator Sulla. He was decorated for valour in battle, captured and held to ransom by pirates, and almost bankrupted himself by staging games for the masses.
As a politician, he quickly gained a reputation as a dangerously ambitious maverick. By his early 30s he had risen to the position of Consul, and was already beginning to dominate the Senate. His affairs with noblewomen were both frequent and scandalous.

His greatest skill, outside the bedroom, was as a military commander. In a string of spectacular victories he conquered all of Gaul, invaded Germany, and twice landed in Britain - an achievement which in 55BC was greeted with a public euphoria comparable to that generated by the moon landing in 1969. In just thirty years he had risen from a position of virtual obscurity to become one of the richest men in the world, with the power single-handedly to overthrow the Republic. By his death he was effectively emperor of most of the known world.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Rise of Caesar

* Summary:
* Traces the rise of Julius Caesar from a young noble to a powerful general and politician.
* Depicts Caesar's military prowess, charisma, and political ambition.
* Real Example:
* Caesar's victory at the Battle of Alesia, where he defeated the Gallic leader Vercingetorix and secured the Roman conquest of Gaul.

Chapter 2: The First Triumvirate

* Summary:
* Details the formation of the First Triumvirate between Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus.
* Explores how this alliance shaped Roman politics and contributed to Caesar's rise to power.
* Real Example:
* The Triumvirate's passage of the Lex Gabinia, which gave Pompey extraordinary powers to combat pirates in the Mediterranean.

Chapter 3: Conquest of Gaul

* Summary:
* Recounts Caesar's military campaigns in Gaul, spanning eight years and conquering vast territories.
* Highlights Caesar's strategic brilliance, leadership, and the challenges he faced.
* Real Example:
* The Siege of Alesia, where Caesar's innovative siege tactics ultimately led to the defeat of Vercingetorix.

Chapter 4: The Civil War

* Summary:
* Explores the outbreak and course of the civil war between Caesar and the forces of the Senate led by Pompey.
* Analyzes Caesar's military superiority, the political machinations, and the consequences for the Roman Republic.
* Real Example:
* The Battle of Pharsalus, where Caesar's legions decisively defeated Pompey's army, marking a turning point in the war.

Chapter 5: Dictatorship and Legacy

* Summary:
* Examines Caesar's dictatorship and its impact on Roman society, government, and culture.
* Discusses his reforms, authoritarianism, and the legacy he left behind.
* Real Example:
* The Julian Calendar, which replaced the traditional Roman calendar and is still used today.

Chapter 6: Assassination and Aftermath

* Summary:
* Chronicles the conspiracy led by Brutus and Cassius against Caesar and its tragic consequences.
* Analyzes the political motives, the role of personal ambition, and the aftermath of Caesar's death.
* Real Example:
* The Ides of March, on which Caesar was stabbed 23 times by a group of senators.

Epilogue: Caesar's Influence and Impact

* Summary:
* Summarizes Caesar's immense influence on Roman history, from his military victories to his political reforms.
* Considers his legacy as a military leader, statesman, and cultural icon.
* Real Example:
* The continued use of "Caesar" as a title for Roman emperors and later leaders, echoing Caesar's lasting impact on the Roman Empire and beyond.