Gaius Julius Caesar Part I Magister Henderson Latin III / IV

About Gaius Iulius Caesar Born in 100 BC in Rome. His family (gens Iulia) claimed to be descended from Aeneas and his son Iulus. The cognomen “Caesar” is likely derived from caedō, -ere “to cut” (participle: caesus). This is probably because one of his ancestors was delivered via C-section.

Caesar’s Early Life The years before his birth were marked by many social upheavals, including those of the Gracchi brothers as well as by his uncle through marriage, Gaius Marius. At sixteen Caesar, already head of his family following his father’s death, was nominated to the priesthood of Jupiter by Marius. But after Marius’ death, Marius’ rival Sulla stripped Caesar of his inheritance and priestly office.

Caesar’s Early Life (continued) However on his mother’s side Caesar had ties to Sulla’s faction, so a small part of his inheritance was restored, though his priesthood was not. Sulla was reported to have reluctantly spared Caesar, saying that he saw “many Marius’ in Caesar”. Nevertheless Caesar remained in exile in Bithynia until Sulla’s death in 78 BC.

Caesar’s Early Life (continued) Being poor in resource, but being of a distinguished family, Caesar turned to a career in law, building a modest fortune. While on a business trip in the Aegean Sea he was kidnapped by pirates. After being ransomed back, he hunted down the pirates and had them crucified. After returning to Rome he was elected military tribute, the first of his elected offices.

Caesar’s Political Career In 69 BC Caesar continued his path down the cursus honorum, the succession of political offices in the Roman Republic, gaining the quaestorship. In 63 BC Caesar ran for, and ultimately won the election for Pontifex Maximus, the highest priestly office in the land. His opponents were far more experienced, and there were accusations of bribery.

Caesar’s Political Career (continued) In 62 BC Caesar was elected to the praetorship, and granted the governorship of the province of Spain. He won two military victory over hostile native tribes, and was thus eligible for a triumph, however he also planned to run for the consulship, and by law he could not do both. Ultimately he gave up his rights to the triumph to run for consul in 59 BC, which he won along with Marcus Bibulus.

Caesar’s Political Career (continued) Though the consulship was supposedly a shared office, Caesar proved to be forceful enough to intimidate Bibulus into non-action, at least once by physical force. The year was often indicated casually by the names of the two consuls serving that year. Caesar had so overshadowed Bibulus that the year 59 BC was jokingly referred to as “the consulship of Julius and Caesar”.

The End of Caesar’s Consulship However Caesar had amassed large financial debts due to his political campaigns (and possible bribes). To secure his financial safety he entered into a political partnership with Marcus Licinius Crassus, the wealthiest man in Rome. At the end of his conulship he secured for himself governorship of the Cisalpine Gaul.

Roman Priestly Colleges Pontifices- headed by the Pontifex Maximus, included the Rex Sacrorum, the fifteen flamens, and the six Vestals. Augars- oversaw the taking of the auspices, that is, interpretation of divine signals. Quindecimviri- guarded the Sybilline books and regulated worship of non-Roman deities. Epulones- were responsible for oversight of sacred feasts and banquets.

The Cursus Honorum Military Tribune- 24 elected annually, served in the legions as staff officers under the Legatus. Quaestor- 20 elected annually, responsible for financial duties, including administration of public games Aedile- 4 elected annually, responsible for upkeep of public works, temples and markets. Praetor- 8 elected annually, served as judges for civil disputes. Consul- 2 elected annually, each with power of veto over the other. Served as supreme military commanders.

Other Offices Outside the Cursus Censor- Elected for 18 month term, rather than one year. Responsible for the census, assigning tribal voting class, and managing membership roll of the senate. Governor- praetors and consuls were assigned to manage provinces after their year in office, and given the title propraetor or proconsul. Legatus- served as second-in-command to a provincial governor.

Other Offices (continued) Tribune of the Plebs- Office reserved for plebians, 10 elected annually. Had power to protect those of plebian rank from legal prosecution, and limited power to introduce laws. By law the Tribune could never be more than a days journey from Rome. Dictator- Traditionally a temporary office, reserved for times of crisis. Held supreme military power. Magister Equitum- Second-in-command to the dictator, also a temporary office.