Julius Caesar
The Roman dictator who conquered Gaul and was stabbed approximately 23 times by 60 conspirators to defend republican traditions.
Julius Caesar served as Roman dictator and led the Gallic Wars for eight years, fully conquering Gaul. In early 44 BC, he was appointed dictator perpetuo. He was assassinated on the Ides of March (15 March), 44 BC, by a group of senators during a session at the Curia of Pompey.
- Role
- Roman Dictator
- Affiliation
- Rome
- First Appears
- Not specified in source
- Status
- Historical Figure
Lore & Background
After eight years in the Gallic Wars, Caesar refused a Senate order to disband his army and cross the Rubicon in 49 BC, sparking civil war. By early 44 BC, he held lifelong political authority as dictator perpetuo. Three incidents between 45 and 44 BC fueled conspiracy: refusing to rise for senators, removing tribunes who opposed him over a diadem incident, and rejecting a crown at the Lupercalia festival while appearing to test public support for monarchy.
In Their Own Story
In March 45 or early 44 BC, Caesar refused to stand for a senatorial delegation at the Temple of Venus Genetrix. In January 44 BC, tribunes Gaius Epidius Marullus and Lucius Caesetius Flavus removed a diadem from his statue; when Caesar accused them of plotting against him, he had them removed from office. On February 15, 44 BC, during Lupercalia, Mark Antony offered Caesar a diadem twice; Caesar rejected it both times but declared only Jupiter was king. These events convinced conspirators led by Marcus Junius Brutus and Gaius Cassius Longinus that he sought kingship.
Reader's Guide
The conspiracy formed after February 22, 44 BC, when Cassius Longinus met with Marcus Brutus. They recruited around sixty to eighty senators, preferring men near age forty. Notable recruits included Decimus Brutus, Gaius Trebonius, Tillius Cimber, Minucius Basilus, and the brothers Casca. The group excluded Cicero for being too cautious and rejected Mark Antony after he declined a prior offer. They planned to strike during a Senate session.
Did You Know?
- The conspirators numbered between sixty and eighty individuals.
- Caesar was stabbed approximately 23 times during the assassination.
- The event took place at the Curia of Pompey inside the Theatre of Pompey.
- Mark Antony attempted to crown Caesar with a diadem twice during the Lupercalia festival.
The Ides of March and the Betrayal
On 15 March 44 BC, approximately 60 conspirators led by Marcus Junius Brutus, Gaius Cassius Longinus, and Decimus Junius Brutus Albinus assassinated Caesar in the Curia of Pompey within the Theatre of Rome. They stabbed him roughly 23 times, claiming their act defended the Republic against his perpetual dictatorship. The assassination failed to restore republican institutions; instead, it triggered Caesar's deification, the Liberators' civil war (43–42 BC), and ultimately the rise of Augustus and the Principate.
The Three Last Straws
Historians cite three final causes: first, Caesar's refusal to rise for senators in the Temple of Venus Genetrix; second, his removal of tribunes Marullus and Flavus after they challenged a diadem on his statue; third, the Lupercalia incident where Antony offered him a crown. Though Caesar rejected it, declaring Jupiter the only king, many believed he tested support for monarchy.
The Road to Civil War
After eight years conquering Gaul (modern-day France), Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 BC when the Senate demanded he disband his army. He defeated all opposition and became dictator perpetuo in early 44 BC. This accumulation of power, including his perpetual dictatorship, threatened republican traditions and motivated the conspiracy.
Omens and Divine Warning
Virgil's Georgics describes omens preceding the assassination: the sun veiled in darkness, Etna erupting with fire, earthquakes in the Alps, battle sounds in Germany, phantoms in groves, beasts speaking human speech, rivers standing still, weeping ivory statues, sweating bronze figures, and the Po River sweeping away forests. Sinister entrails and wolf howls also signaled disaster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Julius Caesar in Age of Empires II?
He serves as the central protagonist for the Roman campaign in The Conquerors expansion. In this narrative, he is portrayed as a legendary warlord who uses tactical brilliance to expand Roman influence.
What political role does he hold?
Caesar acts as both a formidable General and a Dictator leading the Roman forces. His authority allows him to mobilize legions against rebellious tribes and rival factions without Senate approval.
How does his campaign begin?
The story opens with his famous crossing of the Rubicon River, marking a direct challenge to the existing government. This decisive act initiates his march toward unifying Italy under Roman command.
What are his main military goals?
His primary objective is to conquer Gaul and subdue unconquered lands beyond the Alps through sheer force of will. He seeks to secure Rome's borders by defeating local tribes and consolidating power in Italy.
How does the narrative conclude?
While focused on military victory, his story aligns with history by depicting him as a figure who ultimately challenges the Senate. His legacy is cemented through the unification of territories rather than political compromise.