Recently, I was searching for new material to read but was not sure which subject matter I should choose. The choice was made for me when I saw this book on the Roman General and Statesman Gaius Julius Caesar (100 B.C. -44 B.C.). Of course, the name is known worldwide, but how well do we know the real story behind the man whose murder has become a case study for betrayal? Personally, I knew that there was much to learn about his life, and I decided to take the plunge and give this a read. Having finished the book, I can say that there is far more to extraordinary story than the last moments on March 15, 44 B.C., when his life reached its conclusion in Rome. Adrian Goldsworthy looks at Caesar’s life in this book which gripping from beginning to end.

Most of us have seen the films ‘Gladiator‘ (2000) and the controversial ‘Caligula‘ (1979). Both films provide their own shock value through visual recreations of the life in the ancient world with the latter earning its contested reputation due to the graphic portrayals of sex on screen. Although fiction, the films do contain some truths. There are other films regarding the same, and they provide their own interpretation of an era that seems barbaric today. Life in the ancient world was survival of the fittest and those unable to meet its brutal expectations did not fare well. And in this mix of greed, violence, sexual promiscuity and deception, Caesar navigated his way to an unthinkable position of power that proved to be his downfall. But to understand his death, we first must learn his life’s journey which begins in 100 B.C.

The story begins like a standard biography, providing us with a glimpse into young Caesar’s life and maturity into a young man. However, the story changes gears when Caesar’s father dies unexpectedly when he is in his teens. And when war erupts in 74 B.C., the young man answers the call to serve in battle, setting him on a path that would last the rest of his life. Throughout the book I found the discussions regarding Caesar’s military service fascinating, and they provided me with a better understanding of his historical importance. But I warn readers that post-battle events are testaments to the brutality of the period in which Caesar and his contemporaries lived. Those who found themselves on the losing end of a conflict could expect slavery, pillage, and things far worse. Caesar is in the middle of these events, and his actions, both positive and negative, are explored for the reader to judge. Further, the author writes in a steady narrative that maintains the right pace and suspense to keep readers intrigued.

In addition to his military campaigns, Caesar was a noted statesman, and the author provides a good analysis of how government in Rome functioned, and the ways in which the seasoned warrior used his fame and success for ascension in society. However, we also learn of Caesar’s fondness for women, aside from his first and second wives. The author pulls no punches about the adultery that transpired, and Caesar was not the only figure to engage in it, but his reputation did suffer tarnish because of it. And more than one woman he chose, had family and social connections that later proved to be ironic twists in his demise, as we learn in the book. Today he would be considered a sex addict and held in the same light as celebrity figures currently in their own legal troubles for nefarious reasons, but in the ancient world, his behavior was common but not condoned.

While Caesar was winning military campaigns, his detractors were keeping a watchful eye over his success. They had not forgotten about the corruption scandals Caesar found himself amid. The incident is discussed by the author and reveals a complex figure. I was surprised at the amount of time Caesar spent outside of Rome in military service. In comparison to a tour of duty today, campaigns in the ancient world were extensive and as shown through Caesar’s story, one could spend years away from home. But he was determined to return to Rome and become a consul. However, plotters were waiting and determined to never let him assume the title. And thus, we arrive at the Civil War of 49 B.C., which left behind an extensive number of dead, including opponents Pompey (106 B.C. – 48 B.C.) and Marcus Porcius Cato (95 B.C. – 46 B.C.). Both had made their opposition to Caesar clear, believing him to be a dictator in the making. They were equally prophetic but the stories behind their positions are crucial to understanding the later plot to take Caesar’s life.

In hindsight, we know Caesar prevailed in the Civil War, but it came with a cost. The opposition to his increasing power, wealth, and rule upon returning to Rome, created a simmering tension. But before we reach the climactic ending we know is coming, there is the entry into the story of two popular figures from the ancient world: Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator (69 B.C.- 30 B.C.) and Marcus Antonios (83 B.C. – 30 B.C.) (“Mark Antony”).  While Cleopatra becomes a love interest of Caesar, Mark Antony plays a significant role in the military campaigns which later bring him success. However, he is not without his own demons addressed in the book. Both would outlive Caesar before meeting their own tragic fates in 30 B.C., but their importance to the story at hand cannot be overlooked. We have heard the story of the senators who assassinated Caesar, but the full extent of the conspiracy is what deserves more context. The author goes deep into the conspiracy, and the links connecting the plotters. Marcus Junius Brutus (85 B.C. – 42 B.C.) is the most popular of Caesar’s killers, but in reality, he was just one of dozens of men who desired to see Caesar’s reign ended. In fact, the conspiracy was far larger than we might have been led to believe. The magnitude of Caesar’s rule came to life in the pages of this book, and it was clear that he attained everything and then lost it, for the Republic has always been more important than one man. This is the life and death of Julius Caesar. Highly recommended.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0015R3HJS
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Yale University Press; 1st edition (September 22, 2006)