Julius Caesar Model Politician or A Selfish Dictator
Being a popular leader especially among the middle class, Caesar managed to expand the geographic reach as well as establishing the imperial system to form what became the Roman Empire. However, before his rivalry with Pompey began, he had made an effort to work with him. He managed to bring Crassus, a fierce rival of Pompey and probably one of the richest men in Rome at the time, to work with Pompey (Parenti, 2004). This clearly highlighted the negotiating abilities of the youthful Caesar by convincing them that it was better for the two men to work together instead of being enemies. This partnership, often referred to as the First Triumvirate, became the political alliance that gave Caesar the power and an opportunity to rise to greater domination. Upon securing the governorship of Gaul, he built a bigger military and mounted a campaign that cemented his stature as a great Roman leader. He continued to conquer the remaining parts of Gaul by showing ruthlessness to his enemies. An instance is told when he waited for the water supply of his enemies to run dry before ordering that the hands of all the survivors be cut off (Parenti, 2004).
In the first account of Julius Caesar killing, The Murder of Julius Caesar, 44 BC, Eyewitness to History, the marvelous planning and standing of this man as ruthless dictator is well laid out. In the first paragraph a brief history of how Caesar led an army against the then leader of Italy and Spain Pompey who was forced to flee Greece. In a short period of three months, the Caesar led coup had seized control over the entire Italian peninsula, and all the legions in Spain that were loyal to Pompey were defeated. Amazingly, albeit outnumbered, he further pursued Pompey to Greece and managed to defeat his enemy’s forces which further forced Pompey to flee to Egypt (Parenti, 2004). Further showing his determination and ambition to defeat his enemy, he followed Pompey to Egypt. As a sign of friendship between him and the Egyptian government, he was given the severed head of his enemy. As a way of expanding his popularity, he established in Cleopatra his surrogate ruler in Egypt in addition to conquering his rivals in the Northern Africa region before making his way back to Rome. On returning to Italy, Caesar was made the dictator for life and regarded as the Father of his country (Eyewitness to History, 2004). Julius Caesar Model Politician
From the second account Tranquillus, Gaius Suetonius, as well as the first account, there is a sense of great transformation that followed the short time that Caesar served at the top of the government. He reformed the Senate and opened it up to better represent the population by increasing its size as well as relieving the country of debt. Besides, Caesar transformed the Roman calendar as well as reorganizing how the local government operated. In addition to resurrecting Corinth and Carthage, which had been destroyed, he gave citizenship to foreigners (Parenti, 2004). Julius Caesar Model Politician
He was described as a benevolent victor by the act of inviting his defeated rivals into his government. Nonetheless, Caesar was all too careful to solidify his power and authority as was evidenced by his stuffing of the Senate with allies. He also demanded that the Senate grant him various titles and honors besides allowing him to be the first speaker at assembly meetings. He also made sure that his face appeared on all Roman coins (Plutarch, 2000)
These transformations guaranteed a liking among the lower and middle-class populations while on the other hand, the relationship with the Senate grew bitter gradually. Some politicians were envious about the increasing power of Caesar, and there were concerns that he was slowly turning out to be a King. The inclusion of his former enemies into his government is another factor that contributed to his downfall (Parenti, 2004). Julius Caesar Model Politician
Cassius Longinus and Marcus Junius Brutus had both joined the Senate in spite of being old enemies. Ironically, it is these two that led the assassination of Caesar. All the three accounts give an almost similar version of the plot to assassinate him. There were three considered ways to carry out the act but after careful consideration, they settled for the Senate meeting as the best option. While the signs had been all clear that something was going to happen before the Ides of March as seen by the sacrifice offered and the dreams the Caesar and his wife had, Brutus who had come to be one of his confidants could persuade him to attend the meeting.
His friends and doctors had asked him to postpone the Senate convention. Besides, his wife Calpurnia had frightening visions and tried to stop him from leaving his house. But Brutus convinced him not to take the advice of a woman and the gossip of idle men and insult the Senate by not attending the meeting. He managed to sway Caesar who left to attend the summit (Eyewitness to History, 2004).
While it is true that Caesar can be viewed as a meticulous planner and negotiator as well as being able to deliver on his targets, it is imprudent to regard him as a model politician. Undeniably, the three accounts all give aspects about Caesar that can be admired like including his defeated opponents in his government and increasing the senate size to ensure adequate representation. His ability to organize the military and conquer vast areas of Gaul and North Africa are qualities that during his time were admired. His ability to negotiate and bring together rivals in Crassus and Pompey to work together further highlights desirable qualities of leaders even in the modern day where diplomacy is sought in place of war. Julius Caesar Model Politician
However, it is hard not to see how Caesar was a selfish dictator who wanted all power for himself. From the first account, there is a detailed description of how he was obsessed with expanding his territorial rule. His pursuit of Pompey offers a glimpse of a man who will go to any length to get what he wants, no matter what the cost may be (Eyewitness to History, 2004). Julius Caesar Model Politician
From the third account, the conspirators had thought of killing themselves and not allow to be taken when they had that Popilius Laenas had informed Caesar of their plot after they saw them converse on the hallways. This indicates what could have happened to them had they been discovered. Besides, the decision to stuff his allies in the Senate in a bid to solidify his power further shows how selfish he was. Julius Caesar Model Politician
Three accounts of the assassination of Julius Caesar
