Julius Caesar, a notable statesman, general and author of Latin prose, was immortalized by Shakespeare’s play of the same name. Much about Caesar’s life is known from his own accounts of his military campaigns and some other sources including the letters and speeches of Cicero and the historical writings of Sallust.

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Kidnapped by Pirates

In 75 B.C., Caesar set out from Rome for the Aegean island of Rhodes, where he planned to study with Apollonius, a Greek rhetorician. However, on the way to Rhodes, Caesar’s ship was hijacked by pirates off the southwestern coast of Asia Minor. Caesar felt insulted when the pirates asked for a ransom which he thought was low and instead was released when a greater sum was demanded.

Kidnapped by Pirates

Cleopatra and Caesar’s Son

While in Egypt, Caesar and Cleopatra became romantically involved, and as a result she gave birth to a boy, Ptolemy Caesar. It is strongly believed that Ptolemy was Caesar’s child.

Roman Calendar

Not only did Julius add the concept of leap year in the Julius calendar, the month of July is named after Julius Caesar too. The Julius Calendar remained the standard dating calendar for over 1500 years and also influenced the Gregorian calendar which we use today.

Roman Calendar

Civil war

The origin of The Civil War lies with Julius’ refusal to obey the command of the Senate and instead leading his troops across the Rubicon River.

A Prolific Writer

Not only was Julius a brilliant statesman, he was a prolific writer too. His interest in writing included multifarious genres. This incorporated poetry as well!

A Prolific Writer

Never a Roman Emperor

Julius himself was never an official Roman Emperor. His adopted son, Octavian, was the first Roman Emperor, according to “The Annals of Imperial Rome” by Tacitus.

Never a Roman Emperor

Love Life of Julius

Caesar had three wives during his lifetime apart from other mistresses and love interests including the Egyptian queen Cleopatra VII and a woman named Servilia, whose son was Marcus Brutus.

Love Life of Julius

Backstabbing

The story where Julius was backstabbed by his own people is immensely popular. He was put to death by The Roman Senators who were tired of his control over them.

Backstabbing

Adoption

Although not proven, Caesar had a son with Cleopatra named Ptolemy. He being an Egyptian, Julius had to adopt a nephew, Octavian, in his will. Octavian was to take the throne of the Roman Empire.

Adoption