ABSTRACT
It is hard to imagine a more important subject for a biography. The life and achievements of Gaius Julius Caesar have exercised a huge influence on western history and culture. This chapter surveys Caesar's influence and contemplates the ongoing construction of his image. The discussion is divided into three parts: some remarks about Caesar's enigmatic personality and profound influence; a survey of the attitudes of ancient and modern writers to him; and a concluding section, which will question the deeply rooted theme that Caesar sought kingship at Rome from an early age and will instead discuss major stages of his career in the light of important social and political ideas of the time. Such ideas demonstrate the traditional background to Caesar's motives and actions. Caesar has been admired by some writers, and damned by others. Nevertheless, it is remarkable how often a romantic image of Caesar has been accepted, even among academic writers.
