Assess Gauis Julius Caesar’s Impact on the Roman Empire During His Control

Assess Gauis Julius Caesar’s impact on the Roman Empire during his control

Gauis Julius Caesar was instrumental in the transformation of the Roman Empire. Elected as pontifex Maximus (high priest) in 63BC, Caesar began his rise to power and by 47BC was announced as dictator. Though his life was short lived, Caesar was an astounding figure who made a number of phenomenal changes to the Roman Empire forever. Caesar’s military might, political savvy and diplomatic genius are all what made him supremely popular among the Roman citizenry as well as a recognised figure of the ancient world. To this day, the name ‘Caesar’ commands instant recognition and is a title symbolising supreme and legitimate power.

As a general, Caesar was one of the greatest Rome had ever encountered. His military excellence brought both more power and land, which led to the increases in the size and strength of the Roman Empire. Caesar’s military eminence also enabled Rome to prosper into one of the greatest and most memorable civilisations of the ancient world. As Plutarch describes,‘If one [were to] compare him with such men as Fabius and Scipio and Metellus, and with men of his own time or a little before him, like Sulla, Marius, the two Luculli, or even Pompey himself, whose fame for every sort of military excellence was at this time flowering out and reaching the skies, Caesar will be found to surpass them all in his achievements.’ (Plutarch, Life of Caesar). His victories throughout Egypt, Pontus, Gaul, Africa and parts of Asia Minor were some of Caesar’s greatest honours. It was in 52BC at the Battle of Alesia where Caesar gained victory in an imperative battle, a turning point in the Gallic Wars. Though greatly outnumbered, Caesar and his army of just sixty five thousand made use of a number of ingenious military and technological innovations including trenches, towers and the catapult. It was these innovative strategies which forced one of Caesar’s most profound opponents, Vercingetorix and his army of eighty thousand, to claim defeat. Caesar’s success in the Gallic Wars signified his superior abilities as an army general as well as a strategist, and immensely increased his wealth, prestige and popularity throughout Rome. The command in Gaul gave Julius Caesar what he wanted most; recognition of his abilities, the opportunity for military success and triumph, in addition to the command of three whole legions.  Julius Caesar was also a man of loyalty; ‘Even as a young man Caesar was well known for the loyalty he showed his dependants.’ (Suetonius, 2007, p32). It was this loyalty that Caesar displayed to his armies which was said to be the key to many of his military successes, as well as power throughout the empire.

Caesar also partook in a number of successful campaigns throughout Spain, increasing both his power and military prowess. It was following the crossing of the Rubicon in 49BC that Julius Caesar seized power in Rome and was declared dictator. Civil war erupted and in 48BC Caesar was able to defeat one of his greatest rivals, Pompey and his forces at Pharsalus. He then continued on to Asia Minor, conquering Pontus in the east with ease. Following Pompey’s death in Egypt in 46BC, Caesar made his way to Thaspus in Africa, to once again face his opponents. Claiming victory yet again, he returned to Spain, fighting at the Battle of Munda and defeating the remaining Pompeian forces.  Though loyal, Caesar’s forces were said to be brutal, ‘killing hundreds of thousands of legions in the region, and enslaving as many more. At times he was utterly ruthless, ordering massacres and executions, and on one occasion the mass mutilation of prisoners whose hands were cut off before they were set free.’ (Goldsworthy, 2006, p2). Caesar’s achievements were driven by his ambition and belief in the Roman Empire, and speak for themselves. His military expertise has also garnered him the respect of the populares and the loyalty of his armies.