Julius Caesar
A leader who crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC, became dictator perpetuo in early 44 BC, and was assassinated on 15 March 44 BC by 60 senators.
Julius Caesar was the Roman dictator assassinated on the Ides of March (15 March), 44 BC, by a group of senators numbering around sixty. Led by Marcus Junius Brutus, Gaius Cassius Longinus, and Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus, they stabbed him approximately 23 times during a Senate session at the Curia of Pompey within the Theatre of Pompey. He had served eight years in the Gallic Wars before crossing the Rubicon with his army in 49 BC after refusing to disband it. Appointed dictator perpetuo in early 44 BC, his death triggered the Liberators' civil war (43–42 BC) and contributed to the rise of the Roman Empire under Augustus.
- Role
- Roman General and Statesman
- Affiliation
- The Roman Republic
- Civilization
- Romans
- First Appears
- Age of Empires I: The Rise of Rome (central figure)
- Status
- Historical Figure / Deceased
Lore & Background
Caesar's accumulation of lifelong political authority, including his perpetual dictatorship, threatened republican traditions. Conspirators justified the assassination as a preemptive defense of the Roman Republic. The act failed to restore the Republic's institutions and instead precipitated Caesar's posthumous deification and the collapse of the Republic.
In Their Own Story
In early 44 BC, concerns that Caesar wished to crown himself king of Rome grew after he rejected a diadem at the Lupercalia festival on 15 February. By March, a conspiracy involving around sixty senators had formed. On 15 March, they gathered at the Curia of Pompey and stabbed Caesar approximately 23 times.
Reader's Guide
Caesar's rise involved eight years of conquest in Gaul and crossing the Rubicon in 49 BC to start a civil war. After defeating opposition, he became dictator perpetuo in early 44 BC. His assassination by 60 senators on 15 March 44 BC led to the Liberators' civil war (43–42 BC) and the eventual rise of Augustus.
Did You Know?
- Caesar was stabbed approximately 23 times by the conspirators.
- The assassination took place at the Curia of Pompey, located within the Theatre of Pompey.
- Around sixty senators joined the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar.
- Mark Antony attempted to crown Caesar with a diadem on 15 February 44 BC, but Caesar rejected it.
- Caesar was appointed dictator perpetuo in early 44 BC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Julius Caesar in Age of Empires?
He serves as a legendary Roman General and Statesman within the game's lore. This historical figure embodies the height of Roman power during the Classical and Imperial ages.
What civilization does he represent?
Julius Caesar is affiliated exclusively with The Roman Empire throughout the series. He leads the Romans as their primary commander in various campaign scenarios.
Where did players first meet him?
His initial appearance occurred as a campaign leader in Age of Empires II: The Conquerors. This introduction cemented his status as a pivotal character for Roman history fans.
What drives his actions in the narrative?
He is depicted as a visionary who aims to unite the known world under strict Roman law. His strategic genius allows him to reshape destiny through military expansion and political maneuvering.
What is his final status?
Although he crossed the Rubicon to change Rome's future, his ultimate fate is recorded as deceased. He remains a formidable commander whose legacy defines an era of conquest.