Julius Caesar is arguably one of the most iconic figures in history. He was responsible for the fall of a Republic but laid the foundations for the rise of an empire. For centuries Gaius Julius Caesar has captured the imagination and the attention of millions. However as with all other great heros we have to wonder, what made Caesar so great?
I for one believe that is was Caesar’s great ambition that made him the man he was. While many of his contemporaries in Rome were squabbling over seats in the Senate and over who should hold what position in the aristocracy. Caesar had his eyes set on a much higher prize, a new empire. Troubled by the decay in Rome’s power due to constant internal conflict Caesar envisioned a new and unified Rome, one that would rule the world.
Second I believe the Caesar’s action oriented strategies is what one him his great victories. Caesar defeated the Gauls and Alesia, Pompey at Pharsalus, and Pompey’s sons at Thapsus because of his willingness to take the initiative. Caesar never backed away from a challenge, and never seemed to panic in the face of impossible odds. Caesar it seemed did no focus on what could go wrong but rather what he could do to win.
In my opinion these are the things that made Caesar into the first Emperor of Rome. He was a man who saw a new world and had the courage and tact to begin to create it. Hence to this day there are still many who when they look back on his life cannot help but say,” Hail Caesar”!