Julius Caesar's Rise to Power

Ashya Agarwal

Julius Caesar's Rise to Power

Author(s)	Ashya Agarwal
Country	India
Abstract	Beginning in 69 BCE. Caesar rose in the Roman cursus honorum,2 first as quaestor then to the rank of aedile and subsequently pontifex maximus (one in-charge of state religion) in 63 BCE marking his beginning of ascendency of power.3 Historian Robert C.L. Holmes says Caesar lived through the barbaric invasion of Rome undertaken by General Sulla forcing him to escape and ultimately join the Roman forces with the North Europeans in the Gallic Region of modern day France.4 His command during the successful repression of the invading Helvetii tribe, pressured the existing senate of Rome into acknowledging his leadership and military prowess.5 Historian Plutarch states that along with his military acumen, the political backing of the financially affluent Marcus Licinius Crassus and the then consul of Rome, general Pompey allowed him to gain a strong foothold in the Roman senate system.6 Researcher Phillips states that Caesar’s mighty conquest of Gaul (58-50 BC), was followed by his refusal to disband his war legions against what contemporary practice suggested, thus opposing the senate; breeding a civil war in ancient Rome which became the epicentre of his renowned military exploits.7 Caesar consequently attained the highest position in Rome, that of consul, in 59 BCE with the guarantee of being given a province to rule, by the senate.8 These military achievements allowed Caesar to create and enforce his influence not only on the populace but paved the way for convenient eradication of his competitors. “He (Caesar) played on Pompey's frailties cleverly and offered to resign his command.”9 Apprehensive of the resulting complications and the threat to stability of the administration, “...the Senate dared not entertain such an offer.”10 The subsequent win against Pompey in 49-45 BCE made him the most powerful man in Rome and thus, the senate had to accept his motion of being made ‘Dictator’ followed shortly by ‘Dictator for Life.’11 He reinvented the concept of dictatorship which was previously a set period of time to resemble the autocratic regime now known to the modern public, as the sole ruler for as long as one lives.12
Keywords	Julius Caesar, Roman History, Rome, Ancient Rome, Dictator, Military, Leadership, Political, Ambition
Field	Sociology > Archaeology / History
Published In	Volume 6, Issue 5, September-October 2024
Published On	2024-10-22
Cite This	Julius Caesar's Rise to Power - Ashya Agarwal - IJFMR Volume 6, Issue 5, September-October 2024.

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Julius Caesar's Rise to Power

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