However, he refused to divorce is wife Cornelia. He was forced to flee Rome and go into hiding, being stripped of his inheritance, his wife’s dowry, and his priesthood. When Sulla won the civil war in 82 BC and declared himself dictator of Rome, Caesar’s connections to the old regime made him a target for the new one. Cinna was an influential member of the Populares. As a priest not only had to be of patrician stock, but married to a patrician, Caesar broke off his engagement to a plebian girl and married the patrician, Cornelia, who was the daughter of Gaius Marius’ ally, Lucius Cornelius Cinna. On the Ides of March (15 March), 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated by a group of rebellious senators led by Brutus and Cassius, who stabbed him to death.Ĭaesar decided that the most benefit to his family following his father death would be for him to join the priesthood, and he managed to have himself nominated as the new High Priest of Jupiter.

While his popularity within the lower and middle class grew with his dictatorship, his popularity with those higher up lessened. He also made changes to the calendar, creating the Julian calendar. Many of these laws benefited the lower and middle class. All these events helped to secure him support against Pompey.Īs dictator, Caesar made many changes to Ancient Rome and passed many laws. Despite this alliance dominating Roman politics for a number of years, Caesar ultimately went on to defeat Pompey, his rival, in a civil war.Ĭaesar is also remembered for a string of military victories in the Gallic Wars, extending Roman territory, during which time he both invaded Britain and built a bridge across the Rhine river. Much of Caesar’s military career is documented in works that he composed throughout his life.Ĭaesar was a member of the First Triumvirate, an alliance formed in 60 BC between Caesar, Crassus and Pompey.

Caesar also played an important role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. After many military victories and alliances, Caesar became dictator of the Roman Empire, a rule that lasted for just one year before his death. Gaius Julius Caesar was a renowned general, politician and scholar. Notable Works: Bellum Gallicum, Bellum Civile.Died: 15 March 44 BC (aged 55), Rome, Italy.

Painting assassination of julius caesar