An ancient town first recorded in the journals of Julius Caesar.

Besancon

An ancient town first recorded in the journals of Julius Caesar.

"After a successful summer campaign, [Caesar] made his way to the coast and cross over into Britain. He then withdrew into his winter-quarters in Gaul, but in the following year returned into the island, defeated the British Celts under their king Cassivellaunus, and reduced the country to a dependency, compelling the Britons to pay tribute and give hostages."

Landing of the Romans in Britain

"After a successful summer campaign, [Caesar] made his way to the coast and cross over into Britain.…

"Julius Caesar was the leader of the popular party, who in a few years was destined to prove himself the greatest of the Romans and one of the most remarkable men of all time."—Colby, 1899

Caesar

"Julius Caesar was the leader of the popular party, who in a few years was destined to prove himself…

Julius Caesar issued Roman coins bearing his own image.

Caesar Coin

Julius Caesar issued Roman coins bearing his own image.

Julius Caesar led his legion across the Rubicon river from Cisalpine Gaul to Italy. By doing so, he broke the law on imperium (right to command) and made armed conflict inevitable.

Caesar Crossing the Rubicon

Julius Caesar led his legion across the Rubicon river from Cisalpine Gaul to Italy. By doing so, he…

A bridge built by Julius Caesar and his legionaries to aid in crossing the Rhine River. They are considered masterpieces of military engineering

Caesar's Bridge Over the Rhine

A bridge built by Julius Caesar and his legionaries to aid in crossing the Rhine River. They are considered…

"The Death of Caesar. Naturaly such extraordinary success made him enemies, and though the city seemed in the main to be contented with his rule, it was easy for his ill-wishers to play on the passions of the people by pointing out that he had aimed at the complete overthrow of the constitution and the establishment of a tyranny. It was said that he intended to assume the title of king. Several times a crown was publicly offered to him and he refused it; but his refusal was thought to proceed merely from his perception of the displeasure of the people. A plot was formed against him, and the Ides (15th day) of March, 44 B.C., was fixed upon for his assassination. The rumors of the intended murder got abroad and Caesar was warned of the plot, but he took no notice of these warnings. On the appointed day he was surrounded in the Senate by the conspirators and killed. Among the assassins was one of whom Caesar had always regarded as his especial friend. This was Brutus, and it is said that Caesar, when he recognized him among his assailants, ceased to offer resistance, and exclaiming, 'Thou too, Brutus!' allowed himself to be slain."—Colby, 1899

Caesar's Death

"The Death of Caesar. Naturaly such extraordinary success made him enemies, and though the city seemed…

Julius Caesar riding on a horse.

Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar riding on a horse.

An image depicting Julius Caesar, a Roman general and statesman. He was a key component to the shift of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire. He emerged as the unrivaled leader of the Roman world in 49 BC.

Julius Caesar

An image depicting Julius Caesar, a Roman general and statesman. He was a key component to the shift…

The bust of Julius Caesar.

Bust of Julius Caesar

The bust of Julius Caesar.

An illustration of Caesar. A politician of the populares tradition, he formed an unofficial triumvirate with Marcus Licinius Crassus and Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus which dominated Roman politics for several years, opposed in the Roman Senate by optimates like Marcus Porcius Cato and Marcus Calpurnius Bibulus. His conquest of Gaul extended the Roman world to the Atlantic Ocean, and he also conducted the first Roman invasion of Britain in 55 BC. The collapse of the triumvirate, however, led to a standoff with Pompeii and the Senate. Leading his legions across the Rubicon, Caesar began a civil war in 49 BC from which he became the undisputed master of the Roman world.

Julius Caesar (profile)

An illustration of Caesar. A politician of the populares tradition, he formed an unofficial triumvirate…

An image of Augustus making a speech to his army under the tutelage of Julius Caesar.

Coin

An image of Augustus making a speech to his army under the tutelage of Julius Caesar.

"[Caesar] mustered the soldiers in the Campius Martius, and requested a statement of their grievances. Their demands appeared to have a reference to a payment of their dues, the bestowal of promised presents, and a release from further duty. Caesar well knew that the best way to humiliate an insurrection is to grant what it clamors for. He accordingly made an address to his old legion, being careful to begin with "Citizens," instead of "Soldiers." This was gall and wormwood. To be addressed as citizens by their beloved commander! "I discharge you." said he. "You have had enough of fatigue and wounds. I release you from your oath. As to your presents, you shall be paid to the last sesterce." The old veterans could stand no more. They burst into tears, and began to beg for forgiveness. With a certain prudent hesitation, Caesar received them back to favor; but he took care that the leaders who had fomented the mutiny should be executed."—Ridpath, 1885

Citizens! I Discharge You.

"[Caesar] mustered the soldiers in the Campius Martius, and requested a statement of their grievances.…

A legion of the Roman army marching.

Roman Army on the March

A legion of the Roman army marching.

An image of Julius Caesar and his army crossing the Rubicon River, which is located in northeastern Italy. The idiom "Crossing the Rubicon" refers to Julius Caesar passing this river in 49 BC, and means to pass a point of no return.

Caesar Crossing the Rubicon

An image of Julius Caesar and his army crossing the Rubicon River, which is located in northeastern…

An image of two Gaulish warriors participating in a series of military campaigns against Julius Caesar.

Gaulish Warriors

An image of two Gaulish warriors participating in a series of military campaigns against Julius Caesar.