ABSTRACT

Julius Caesar and the Transformation of the Roman Republic provides an accessible introduction to Caesar’s life and public career. It outlines the main phases of his career with reference to prominent social and political concepts of the time. This approach helps to explain his aims, ideals, and motives as rooted in tradition, and demonstrates that Caesar’s rise to power owed much to broad historical processes of the late Republican period, a view that contrasts with the long-held idea that he sought to become Rome’s king from an early age. This is an essential undergraduate introduction to this fascinating figure, and to his role in the transformation of Rome from republic to empire.

chapter 1|14 pages

Caesar

The influence of Julius Caesar in Western Culture

chapter 2|19 pages

Imperium

Empire, society and politics in 100 BCE

chapter 3|15 pages

Nobilis

Caesar as a young noble, 100–70 BCE

chapter 4|11 pages

Ambitio

The ambition of Caesar, 69–64 BCE

chapter 5|15 pages

Pietas

The piety of Caesar, 63–59 BCE

chapter 6|15 pages

Gloria

The pursuit of military glory in Gaul, 58–56 BCE

chapter 7|13 pages

Victoria

Victory over the Gauls, 55–52 BCE

chapter 8|14 pages

Dignitas

Pompey, Caesar and relative rank, 52–49 BCE

chapter 9|15 pages

Fortuna

Fortune and the civil war, 49–45 BCE

chapter 10|14 pages

Clementia

Caesar's dictatorship as paternal rule, 49–44 BCE

chapter 11|13 pages

Libertas

Caesar's dictatorship as tyranny, 49–44 BCE

chapter 12|14 pages

Res Publica

Caesar's role in the transformation of the Roman Republic