This passage provides a concise summary of Julius Caesar's early life, rise to power, and military conquests. Caesar, born in 100 BCE, came from a patrician family but faced early challenges, including exile and political turmoil. He excelled in his education and military career, becoming a prominent figure in Rome. Caesar formed alliances with influential politicians, including Pompey and Crassus, creating a triumvirate. He became consul and later embarked on military campaigns in Gaul, Britain, and beyond, successfully expanding Roman territories. His leadership and military victories solidified his position in Roman politics.
1. Gaius Julius Caesar was born on either the 12th or 13th of July in the year 100 BCE to a patrician family historically influential in politics but not at the time of Caesar's birth. His father, Gaius, was a praetor or elected magistrate and the governor of the province of Asia. His mother, Aurelia, came from a family of prominence. Caesar's aunts, Julia, was married to Gaius Marius, a leader of the popular faction political movement .
2. Caesar's early education included the study of the Greek language and he read the works of Greek historians. He showed a keen interest in developing his skills as a public speaker. The Roman Forum was the center of intellectual discussion and debate in Rome during Caesar's youth .
3. Caesar's father, Gaius, died when he was 16, making him the head of his family at a time when civil war was breaking out. Caesar was marked to be executed but managed to avoid death thanks to the influence of his mother's family .
4. After the death of his wife, Cornelia, Caesar was appointed as a quaestor, which involved performing financial auditing duties. He traveled to Spain where he served as quaestor in 69 BCE. It is said that while in Spain, he came across a statue of Alexander the Great, which caused him to reflect on his life's accomplishments to date .
5. Upon returning to Rome, Caesar's prominence and popularity saw him being elected to a succession of public offices. In 67 BCE, he was appointed to the Senate and married the granddaughter of Sulla, Pompeia. However, their marriage only lasted six years, with Caesar divorcing her when she became caught up in a damaging political scandal in 67 BCE .
6. In 63 BCE, Caesar set his sights on the position of Pontifex Maximus or chief priests. Despite being opposed by two powerful senators, he managed to win the position. The following year, he was appointed as pro praetor norpro magistrate in an area of southern Spain .
7. Caesar managed to create a triumvirate of the three most influential politicians in Rome: Pompey, Crassus, and himself. He arranged for his only daughter Julia to enter into a marriage with Pompey, with the support of Crassus and Pompey. Caesar set about securing his appointment to the Consul, despite having a co-consul, Bibuleus, who was a political opponent to Caesar .
8. Caesar's control of the consulship was so complete that his supposed co-consul gave up entirely, retiring to his house and leaving Caesar free reign. Caesar followed his IRA's consult by branching out upon his military career. He achieved great military conquest, ensuring that his star rose even higher. His powerful political allies helped Caesar to secure Pro consulship over three provinces for an unprecedented five-year governorship .
9. Caesar's first opportunity for conquest came when southeastern Gaul was invaded by a tribe known as the Helvetii. Caesar moved against them with six legions and crushed them during a fierce five-hour battle. He then turned his attention to the Germanic tribes, despite their formidable reputation, the Roman legions managed to defeat them at the Battle of Oscar's .
10. Caesar's power now unquestioned within his own territory, he began looking beyond known borders. He set his sights on Germania and Britannia. In 55 BCE, he built a bridge across the Rhine in a record ten days. Later that same year, he returned with a full five legions with the objective of establishing a permanent Roman base .
11. Caesar's years in military campaigns saw him continue influencing Roman politics through his supporters. In 56 BCE, he met with his old allies, Crassus and Pompey, in order to renew their triumvirate alliance. However, the Alliance broke down in 53 BCE, with Crassus being killed in battle and Pompey distancing himself from Caesar .
12. In 49 BCE, Caesar marshaled a single legion across the Rubicon River, marking the border of his