LITERATURE

Caesar's writings, most of which have been lost, covered a wide range of subjects. These included works on grammar, astronomy, philosophy, and poetry. It is in the field of history, however, that Caesar is best known. His Commentaries on the Gallic War furnish important information not only on the wars themselves, but on the geography of western Europe, and the economy, government, religion, and customs of the people living there. Caesar also wrote Commentaries on the Civil War. Both accounts were written in a simple, clear, vivid style and have served as models of military histories.

ORATORY

As an orator Caesar ranked next to Cicero, the most eloquent of all Romans. Unfortunately, Caesar's orations have disappeared, but Cicero himself described them as remarkably logical, lucid, and persuasive.

CHRONOLOGY OF IMPORTAN EVENTS IN CAESAR'S LIFE

B.C.

100 Born July 12, in rome

83 Married Cornelia, daughter of Cinna, one of the leaders of the popular party (Populares).

82 Incurred the enmity of Sulla, leader of the senatorial party (Optimates), for refusing to divorce Cornelia.

81 Fled to Asia minor, where he served in the war against Mithridates.

80 Awarded the civic crown (corona civica) for saving the life of a fellow citizen in battle.

76 Studied oratory at Rhodes under Apollonius Molo. On the way he was captured by pirates, and later released

74 Military tribune.

68 Quaestor in Spain.

67 Death of Cornelia; Caesar married Pompeia.

65 Aedile.

63 Pontifex maximus.

62 Praetor ; divorced Pompeia.

61 Propraetor (govenor) in Spain.

60 First Triumivirate (caesar, Pompey and Crassus).

59 Consul with bIBULUS ; married calpurnia; Caesar gave his daughter Julia in marriage to Pompey.

58-49 Proconsul (governor) of Cisapline and Transalpine Gaul and Illyricum.

58 Defeated the Helevetians and Ariovistus, German leader.

57 Conquered the Belgians.

56 Conquered the Veneti in a naval campaign.

55 First invasions of Germany; end of the Triumvirate

54 Second invasion of Britain ;death of Julia.

53 Second invasion of Germany; end of the Triumvirate.

52 Surrender of the Gauls under Vercingetorix; fall of Alesia.

49 Caesar crossed the Rubicon ; "Alea iacta est" (the die is cast); civil was between Caesar and Pompey.

48 Counsul second time; Pompey deffeated at Pharalus, Greece.

47 Defeated Ptolemy, King of Egypt ; conquered the country of Pontus in Asia Minor and reported the victory with the words, "Veni vidi vici."

46 Consul third time.

45 Dictator for life.

44 Assassinated on the Ides of March (March 15)

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