The Lives of the Caesars · Chapter
Book I: The Deified Julius explained
This chapter covers the early life, rise, and dictatorship of Julius Caesar, including his defiance of Sulla, capture by pirates, military campaigns, crossing of the Rubicon, and the accumulation of excessive honors that led to his assassin
What happens
This chapter covers the early life, rise, and dictatorship of Julius Caesar, including his defiance of Sulla, capture by pirates, military campaigns, crossing of the Rubicon, and the accumulation of excessive honors that led to his assassination.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and the Pursuit of Power
Caesar's relentless drive for power is evident from his early defiance of Sulla to his accumulation of unprecedented honors.
Political Intrigue and Violence
The chapter details political maneuvering, civil war, and the violent suppression of opposition.
Character and Morality of Rulers
Caesar's clemency and later arrogance are contrasted, highlighting the moral complexities of his rule.
Omens, Prophecy, and Divine Favor
The crossing of the Rubicon is accompanied by a divine sign, and Sulla's prophecy about Caesar is recalled.
Characters to notice
- Julius Caesar
Central figure; his early life, military campaigns, and dictatorial rule are detailed.
- Sulla
Dictator who opposed Caesar's marriage to Cornelia and later prophesied his threat to the aristocracy.
- Pompey the Great
Caesar's rival; fled to Brundisium and later defeated at Pharsalus.
- Cicero
Quoted regarding Caesar's ambition and the Euripidean lines he often recited.
- Nicomedes
King of Bithynia; Caesar suspected of improper relations with him.
- Mark Antony
Mentioned in the context of Caesar's later years and honors.
- Cato the Younger
Opponent of Caesar; referenced in the context of political strife.
- Cleopatra
Implied through Caesar's involvement in Alexandria and the legions left there.
Key passages
“They would have it so. Even I, Gaius Caesar, after so many great deeds, should have been found guilty, if I had not turned to my army for help.”
Caesar remarked that his enemies forced his hand; without his army, he would have been condemned despite his achievements.
Reflects Caesar's justification for crossing the Rubicon and starting civil war.
“If wrong may e'er be right, for a throne's sake Were wrong most right:—be God in all else feared.”
Caesar often quoted Euripides to imply that wrongdoing is justified if it secures power.
Highlights Caesar's ambition and moral flexibility.
“Even yet we may draw back; but once cross yon little bridge, and the whole issue is with the sword.”
At the Rubicon, Caesar hesitated, knowing that crossing would lead to war.
Dramatizes the pivotal moment of decision.
“I go to meet an army without a leader, and I shall return to meet a leader without an army.”
Caesar boasted that he would defeat Pompey's forces in Spain while Pompey himself had no army.
Shows Caesar's strategic confidence.
“Have your way and take him; only bear in mind that the man you are so eager to save will one day deal the death blow to the cause of the aristocracy... for in this Caesar there is more than one Marius.”
Sulla warned that sparing Caesar would lead to the downfall of the optimates.
Prophetic statement about Caesar's future impact.
