ABSTRACT
Gaius Julius Caesar showed remarkable leniency and mildness in dealing with his citizen enemies after crossing the Rubicon. In extraordinary and unexpected fashion, he even gave permission for an inveterate foe like Marcus Claudius Marcellus, the consul of 51 BCE, to return to public life at Rome. Caesar's power was based on his command of the legions and retired veterans, but he held offices of republican type from 49 to his death in 44 BCE. The main office was the dictatorship, which was granted to him several times, and for varying lengths of time, over the period. Early in 44 BCE, he actually received the dictatorship 'for life' or 'perpetually'. This chapter examines Caesar's reforms in light of the conciliatory attitude described above. It has been concerned to interpret Caesar's reforms and extraordinary honors in light of his policy of clementia, which implies a conciliatory attitude.
