Julius Caesar

by Philip Freeman

“ Elegant, learned and compulsively readable, Julius Caesar moves from broad sweep to brilliant detail” . Barry Strauss – Professor of History and Classics, Cornell University Julius Caesar is highly regarded today as a military strategist and tactician, and as the ambitious conqueror who expanded Roman territory several times over. Less well known is Caesar the man – his early years spent as a priest, his first marriage to General Cinna’ s Daughter, his refusal to divorce his wife under threat of death during a civil war, his decision to join the army and his devotion to his family. Julius Caesar is a comprehensive work that touches all the important aspects of his life without miring readers in unnecessary details. Indisputably one of the most fascinating leaders in history, he is immersed in a virtual dictator who continued to act on behalf of the plebeians and an intellectual who was capable of cruel vengeance. Philip Freeman, a distinguished classicist and brilliantly insightful author, describes Caesar in all his complexity, creating a stunning and engaging work that is destined to be a classic. Philip Freeman, a distinguished classicist and brilliantly insightful author, describes Caesar in all his complexity, creating a stunning and engaging work that is destined to be a classic. “ Julius Caesar packed more into his life than most of history’ s great men – and Philip Freeman unpacks it all with skill and clarity” . Anthony Everitt, author of Augustus and Cicero. Philip Freeman is the author of five books on classical, Irish and Celtic history and is the Qualley Chair of Classics at Luther College, Iowa and recipient of numerous fellowships in the US and Europe.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Ancient History, Roman History, Historical, Politics

416 pages, Hardcover

First published May 13, 2008

About the author

I teach Classics and Celtic studies at Luther College in the beautiful little town of Decorah, Iowa. I did my doctoral work at Harvard and taught at Boston University and Washington University in St. Louis before coming to Luther to help run the Classics department. I love teaching and see my writing as an extension of my work in the classroom. I hope you enjoy the books as much as I enjoyed writing them.

Reviews

[Alan Tomkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent biography, thrilling narrative history. The author is a great writer, and this book reads like fast paced adventure. Julius Caesar had an amazing life and left behind an incredible legacy. This is a fair and balanced chronicle of Caesar's career and accomplishments. The adventures, plots, and intrigues are clearly explained. Even Caesar's enemies grudgingly admired his abilities, and I believe most readers of this book will, too. Still, there's no denying that he became a tyrant, and by early 44 BCE it becomes clear he's gotta go. I do wish the author had spent more time on the relationship between Caesar and Octavian, since Octavian seemed to be the only prominent Roman to grasp the true significance of Caesar's rule as it pertained to Rome's political future. But all things considered, this is a magnificent biography of Julius Caesar. It is fascinating and exciting, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

[Overbooked ✎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I approached this book with a bit of apprehension. Last year I loved Alexander the Great by the same author, will this book be able to draw me in and involve me at the same level? I shouldn’t have worried. I was captivated by Caesar’s story as much as I was by Alexander’s.

Caesar is obviously one of the most famous figures of all times, but even if you know your history well and know what’s going to happen, Freeman makes it so fresh. In the pages of this book, you feel the tension in the senate during Catilina conspiracy, Caesar’s leadership and bravery during the conquest of Gaul takes your breath away (e.g. when fighting against the Nervii, alongside his outnumbered men), and you marvel at the engineering skills of Roman military (e.g. building a bridge spanning the Rhine in only a few days and the double wall at Alesia in few weeks).

The book provides many examples of Caesar’s talents as astute politician, populist strategist, military genius, brave soldier, natural born leader but also as a merciless enemy ( e.g. when he had the men of Uxellodunum mutilated by cutting off their hands) and a person with double standards (enforcing moderation and public morals while personally indulging in extra-marital affairs and lavish parties) .
Freeman gives the social, political and economic contexts to Caesar’s decisions and explains well the reasons behind his innovative reforms such as the granting of citizenship to worthy (and wealthy) provincials, the instalment of senators and government officials from the military, sons of former slaves and even foreigners, and even the adoption of the solar calendar and leap year that are still in use today.

There are only few authors able to make non-fiction books into genuine page turners, while there are many who will prefer the easier genre of historical fiction or, worse, resort to historical fantasy to entice the readers.
Philip Freeman is a magnificent History teller and now one of my favourite authors. A must read for all Ancient Rome enthusiasts. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars

Favourite quotes:

“Human nature everywhere yearns for freedom and hates submitting to domination by another.” This kind of refreshing honesty is typical in Roman writers from the earliest days of the Republic to the fall of the empire. The Romans never pretended that they were bringing freedom or a better way of life to the peoples they conquered.
They frankly admitted that they were only interested in increasing their own power, wealth, and security through conquest. They had no particular desire to spread classical culture throughout the world unless it served their own plans to better control a province. Caesar freely admits that the Veneti were simply fighting for liberty, just as he would have done in their place. Nevertheless, he was determined to crush them.

Caesar had never been able to win the hearts of the nobility. His power base was firmly set among the common people he had served as a magistrate and the soldiers he had recruited and fought along side in battles across Gaul. It was Caesar’s army—made up of no-nonsense, dependable, and absolutely loyal men he raised from the farms and small towns of Italy and the Province—that would determine his future.

[John Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read about a dozen history books this year so far and Philip Freeman’s books might be my top 3, he’s just by far the most entertaining historian.

Julius Caesar reminds me a lot of Donald Trump. I mean it’s not exactly an apples to apples comparison. Caesar definitely wasn’t a rich kid turned business mogul, and Trump definitely wasn’t a poor kid turned elite warrior general.
They both were leaders of the most powerful country in the world, had an assassination attempt on them, despised by half the country, despised by politicians out of jealousy or out of fear of losing power. The most specific example is that they both are so good at publicity relations that no matter what you throw at them they can somehow turn it in their favor. Caesar continuously would get backed into a corner, whether it be political or militarily, that by a little luck and a lot of self confidence he would come out better than before, further bolstering his power by gathering a huge obsessive following, to the great dismay of the political elites.

My judgement from someone born over 2000 years later I honestly don’t know if Caesar was a great leader or a bad leader or both but I do know he makes for one hell of an entertaining read!

[Jefi Sevilay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tarihin tanıklık ettiği en önemli isimlerden birinin yaşamına ışık tutan bir başucu kitabı. Açıkçası daha hikayeleştirilmiş bir biyografi yerine bana biraz ders kitabı tadı verdi ama akıcı olduğu kesin. Oldukça da güzel bilgiler var. Mesela Sezar'ın Julius (Iulius) aslında klanı, Caesar ise lakabı. Bununla birlikte Brutus Aptal, Naso Büyük Burun, Cicero ise nohut demekmiş.

Beni en çok etkileyen kısımlardan biri Milattan önceden bahsederken nasıl bu kadar detay olabilir. Elbette ki bazı boşluklar doldurulmuştur ancak dönem yaşayışına olabildiğince net bir bakış sağlamış. Ve MÖ. 100'de Makedonya Valisi'ni mahkemeye verebilmek nedir? Milattan sonra 2020'de Türkiye'de bir valiyi mahkemeye ver bakalım ne oluyor.

Kesinlikle tavsiye ederim.

Herkese keyifli okumalar!

[Larry (LPosse1) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5-Star Review of Julius Caesar by Philip Freeman
Immersion- Kindle/audible. I hade a used hard copy I found at the library for $2.00 too!!

This is just about the best ancient Roman history book I’ve ever read. Philip Freeman has crafted an incredibly engaging and informative biography of Julius Caesar that stands out from the rest. Written originally to answer the many questions his students posed over the years, this book succeeds brilliantly in being both accessible and deeply insightful.

I’ve read several books on Julius Caesar, but this one is, without question, the best. Freeman strikes a perfect balance between storytelling and scholarship. His writing is clear, fluid, and never bogged down by overly academic language, yet it’s obvious that the book is underpinned by serious research. He draws from a wide range of sources—classical and modern—and it shows in the unique anecdotes and vivid details that fill the pages. There were numerous moments where I came across stories and perspectives I hadn’t encountered in other biographies. The chapter about Cleopatra was wonderful and Freeman also added information about Caesar’s hand to hand battle in Alexandria. (Yes, I continue to have a crush for the Egyptian (Ptolemaic) queen)

This is the kind of book that brings history to life. Caesar isn’t just a historical figure here—he’s a complex, ambitious, brilliant man whose life and choices are portrayed with nuance and depth. Whether you’re new to Roman history or well-versed in the classics, Julius Caesar by Philip Freeman is a must-read. Oh I don’t want to forget the wonderful ending to this book. No spoilers— all I can say, the ancient Roman’s have enthralled and inspired us for ages!

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author prefaces this book with a quick anecdote which provided the motivation to write this biography. With interest waning during his springtime Latin class, Professor Freeman revived his students’ interest with a quick Julius Caesar Q&A. The students knew little of the historical figure besides his name, but were fascinated by what Freeman shared with them. The author generalized this observation to the general reading public and has written a straightforward and engaging biography. And for a Julius Caesar novice like me, it fit the bill perfectly.

Caesar lived, conquered and reigned during the first century BC so his historical record is understandably limited; therefore this book is not a dense day to day chronicle of his life. The author does assemble what is known without straying too far from its subject. Caesar was born into a well known family who were down on their financial luck at the time of his birth. So although Caesar had a foot in the aristocracy camp of Rome, he was much more comfortable with and beloved by the common man. This “accident of birth” placed Caesar in an advantageous position to exploit the turmoil between the aristocracy and the citizenry of the Roman Republic 2000 years ago.

The book chronicles Caesar’s many accomplishments, his rapid ascendancy to the top of the Roman power pyramid and his murder. Just Caesar’s military successes are noteworthy; he and his army battled and were victorious in much of the civilized world of that time. The scope and breadth of these conquests – the number of soldiers brought to the field, the miles marched, ships built and the miles of long siege walls constructed – are astounding. The political scene in Caesar’s Rome, with its conniving and scheming, rivals anything we’ve witnessed in moderns times.

Adding to the mix, personal anecdotes and observations are sprinkled throughout the book which provides the reader a “feel” for the man – for instance Caesar fathered a child with Cleopatra and he sported a comb-over.

There are a lot of names and titles in the book which does take some getting used to, but Caesar’s story propels the reader through the narrative. And the sign of any good book is the incentive after reading it - to read more on the subject… and I will.

[C. Çevik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antik kaynaklara referanslarla oluşturulmuş iyi bir biyografi. Eskiçağ tarihi ve Latin Dili ve Edebiyatı öğrencilerine derslerde kullanılabilecek bir kaynak olarak öneririm.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book a while ago but haven't had the chance to write an in-depth review of it. Regardless of the lengthy passage of time, much of Caesar's story still sticks out to me. That, above all, is the true mark of a master historian: being able to convey the past in a way that is both entertaining and memorable. Philip Freeman accomplishes both of these objectives remarkably well.

To start with, Freeman's writing is colorful and engaging. Just take for example the following passage. It describes one of many setbacks that Caesar faced during his campaigns in Gaul. It really illustrates just how well Freeman conveys the character, politics, and culture of all the players involved in this event:

"When the messenger bearing news from the north arrived at Caesar's headquarters in Italy, he broke the seal and quickly read the dispatch. He must have wondered then if he was ever going to enjoy a peaceful year in Gaul. The report said that the Usipetes and Tencteri, Germanic tribes from just east of the Rhine, had crossed the river into Gaul near modern Dusseldorf, fleeing from the powerful Suebi. Caesar writes that the Suebi, who dominated western Germany, were the most numerous, warlike, and toughest of the Germans, living chiefly on milk and beef while shunning such luxuries as wine and warm clothes. The tribe had been a thorn in Caesar's side since his conflict with Ariovistus and now they were pushing other Germans into the still-troubled lands of the Belgae. The Usipetes and Tencteri had moved into the territory of the Menapii near the mouth of the Rhine. Then, after looting what supplies they could find, they headed south toward the heart of Gaul." Freeman, pg. 174-175

This text holds a lot of Freeman's skill as a writer. He humanizes Caesar, describing him as an exhausted warrior who wonders if Gaul will ever find peace. He deftly describes the political climate in how the Suebi tribe is pushing the Usipetes and Tencteri peoples into Gaul, creating a climate of tension where Germans and Gauls are struggling to coexist. He even manages to sneak into the passage the prevailing Roman sentiments of the Suebi, describing them as Caesar does as warrior-like people who deny themselves pleasure and relaxation. All in one paragraph. It's beyond impressive to me. The writing stays this caliber of quality throughout the entire book.

Freeman displays Caesar in this "womb-to-tomb" biography as a uniquely gifted yet power hungry individual whose ambitions eventually overtake the better of him. It describes everything you'd ever want to know about Caesar's life: His upbringing and rise to power within the Senate, his campaigns into Provence and Spain, his conquest of Gaul, the defense from and attacks into Germany, the invasion of Britain, his formation of the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, his famous crossing of the Rubicon, the bloody civil war that followed and his rivalries with Pompey and Cato, his success and seizure of power. And, of course, the Ides of March. All of it is here in wonderful detail and riveting prose.

The context given and exploration of Caesar's world was also greatly appreciated. All too often, biographers tend to lose the forest for the trees, spending too much time with their subject and forgetting about the political and cultural climate that was prevalent at the time. Freeman understood this and made sure to give appropriate, though not overwhelming, details about the society, lifestyles, government and corruption of the Roman Republic and how it drastically shifted into the famous Roman Empire thanks to Caesar. We also get more insight into the contemporaries and rivals of Caesar's Rome, like Gaul, the Parthian Empire, Dacia, Egypt, and, of course, the numerous Germanic tribes.

If you like history, especially Roman History, read this book. If you want a warning about the pitfalls of totalitarian figureheads, read this book. If you want a closer look at one of the most recognizable people in all of history, read this book. It truly is a great achievement. An easy five stars.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love it when some of the best writing in classical studies comes from professors at smaller colleges like Philip Freeman, who hails from Luther College in Iowa. This is the second book by Freeman that I've read, and I enjoy his books not only for their scholarship but their wonderful sense of narrative. Here his subject is another ambitious and brilliant military strategist whose deeds shaped the world we live in. What really surprised me in reading this though is how much I didn't know about Julius Caesar.

I assumed that he came from a noble family, but hadn’t realized how prestigious it was, though in decline for some time, impoverished and on the margins of Roman power.

That he grew up in a low-class neighborhood of Rome called Suburba (from whence comes our word "suburb"), a grimy, gritty area known for "its tradesmen, prostitutes, and foreign residents," where he lived in the family home for over 30 years.

(This background would explain both his ambition and his populist leanings, though one has to wonder how much his sympathies really lay with the people and how much he used this as a political springboard. Rome was a republic, but it was ruled by the leading families whose interests were self-serving and whose politics were corrupt; freemen had the vote, but it was usually bought, and the ruling families controlled the people with free bread allotments and entertainment in the form of public baths and spectacles like gladiatorial contests. Caesar and others in the populist party sought to trim the power of the ruling elite, legislate land reform, and extend Roman citizenship, all measure unpopular with the wealthy upper-class.)

That he was a gifted orator and lawyer as well as an accomplished writer.

That his climb to the apex of political power began rather ironically (since he notorious for seducing the wives of other men) with his election to the highest religious office in Rome, that of Pontifex Maximus, which was conferred upon the winner for life and came with a house in the Forum.

That he sought his fortune (really more than glory) through military conquest and he did that by subduing the Gauls.

That the man he formed a crucial alliance with early in his career, Pompey the Great, who became his son-in-law when he married off his daughter to him, was the man he later turned against and went to civil war with, a contest Caesar won and which led to his being named “dictator for life.”

That he was assassinated on the eve of setting out for what would have been another lengthy military campaign, this time in the east, against the Parthinians in modern-day Iran.

That his last words whispered to Brutus, who Caesar was fond of, were not “Et tui, Brute?” as Shakespeare would have it, but according to Suetonius and Dio Cassius, “Kai su, teknon?” which although apparently tricky to translate from the Greek, has been taken to mean “Even you, my child?”

[Fred Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an easily read and enjoyable biography of Julius Caesar. Up to this point, I was mostly familiar with Julius Caesar from Shakespeare's play and mentions of him in other history books.

Those of you who read my reviews of history and biographies will be able to predict what criticism is coming: Although the two maps at the beginning of the book are helpful, especially the one of Gaul, this book could have used more maps. Most of the book is about Caesar's battles, and I would have liked to have had maps showing those battles.

After reading this book, I am not filled with the same admiration of Caesar that I had of Napoleon after reading about him. Caesar comes across as mostly being a warrior. Yes, at the end, there's a brief section talking about his other accomplishments, such as putting into effect the calendar that we still use today and inventing a delicious salad. (Okay, I'm joking about the second.) But I don't come out of reading this book with an appreciation of why Alexander Hamilton would call him the greatest man who ever lived. A great general, yes, but extremely brutal, so much so that our modern day sensibilities are disgusted to read of how he slaughtered the tribes he defeated and sold the survivors into slavery. A skilled politician, yes, but not always sensitive to how his acts would turn others against him. In the end, I understood why a group of senators felt it was necessary to assassinate him.

[Jerome Otte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, concise, and insightful biography.

Freeman casts Caesar as a misunderstood figure, and asserts that Caesar owed his political and military accomplishments to the plebians and that this was what earned him the hostility of the patricians. He ably Freeman fleshes out Caesar as a warrior who led from the front and was able to rally his troops just by getting into the action and shaming them by doing so.

Freeman provides a good account of the triumvirate and the civil war, where again he gives us vivid examples of Caesar winning the unlikeliest of victories, and Freeman has a good grasp of Rome’s political world. The narrative itself is dramatic and well-paced. In all, this is mostly a favorable treatment of the man.

A clearer picture of the plot to kill Caesar would have helped. But, in all, a smooth, readable, well-written biography.

[Bandit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific biography of a fascinating man, a great (in a proper sense of the word) man. Freeman does a phenomenal job of making history not only accessible, but compelling as well. The book was educational, interesting and never boring. Though, of course, this is the story everyone knows the ending too. Very glad I found and read this book, nonfiction and/or history doesn't always read this exciting. Highly recommended.

[Rob Eastin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book of an extraordinary man. Plan to read more Roman history in the future.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philip Freeman's "Julius Caesar" is a comprehensive biography of the Roman conqueror that is as straightforward and readable as the general's own "Gallic Wars". Freeman not only stitches together the various ancient accounts of Caesar's exploits but adds context to his activities by including helpful background information about his various adversaries pulled from a wealth of modern scholarship. He recounts Caesar's conquest of the Celtic tribes of Gaul against a vivid tapestry of the Celtic culture gleaned from such works as Rankin's "Celts and the Classical World, Cunliff's "The Ancient Celts", and Green's "The World of the Druids". I especially found the defeats or near-defeats suffered at the hands of the Celts as fascinating as Caesar's famous victory at Alesia.

The details of a surprise attack by Belgic tribes was particularly intense and sadly ironic because Caesar was essentially saved by his future Civil War opponent, Labienus.

"He [Caesar] had been caught unprepared for a surprise assault of such force and speed. His army would surely have been overwhelmed had it not been for the training and experience they had gained during the past year. There was no time to call his officers together and form a plan , so each organized whatever men were nearest and struck back at the Belgae. With a herculean effort, the Roman troops on the eastern side of the battlefield were able to push the Atrebates and then the Vironmandui back across the river with heavy losses on both sides, but the Nervii on the western end would not yield and pressed the Romans until they fell back in a hopeless struggle to save their camp. The Nervii stormed over the uncompleted walls of the Roman stronghold, killing many of the legionaries and threatening to outflank the Roman forces who had already crossed the river. Caesar had been rushing madly to every corner of the battlefield, but when he saw the dire threat at the camp, he leapt from his horse, grabbed a sword, and joined the fray."

Although Caesar's men rallied with their commander beside them calling them by name, their plight was dire. They managed to stop the encirclement and were presently reinforced by the the arrival of the two legions that had escorted the baggage train. But the real turning point of the battle hinged on the counterattack led by Labienus who, seeing Caesar's desperate struggle, dashed back across the river.

"His arrival brought such hope to the beleaguered men around Caesar that even those who had been seriously wounded propped themselves against their shields for support to continue to fight."

With the tide of battle now turned the Belgic warriors demonstrated their own ferocity and determination to remain an unconquered people.

"As the hours passed, the Romans slowly tightened the circle on them, hacking and killing as each Belgic warrior fought with all his might. In the end, the few Nervii who were left stood on a mound formed by their fallen comrades and - pulling the Roman spears from the dead bodies of their friends - threw them back down at the legions."

These images brought echoes of Thermopylae to mind.

Many critics of Caesar's activities in Gaul have portrayed Caesar and his commanders as ruthless perpetrators of genocide without significant provocation but Freeman, using the details of engagements retold in Caesar's Gallic Wars, recounts numerous incidents of Gallic duplicity after peace agreements were concluded. But Freeman also points out that Caesar did not delude himself with proclamations that he was bringing "civilization" to the Gauls. Instead he said Caesar candidly observed, "Human nature everywhere yearns for freedom and hates submitting to domination by another."

"The Romans never pretended that they were bringing freedom or a better way of life to the peoples they conquered." Freeman states. "They frankly admitted that they were only interested in increasing their own power, wealth, and security through conquest."

I have previously only read isolated passages of accounts of Caesar's Alexandrian Wars so I also found that portion of Freeman's book particularly fascinating. Many books and films about this period seem to omit most references to intervention by Cleopatra's sister Arsinoe and her commander Ganymedes. Many accounts of the confrontation between the Alexandrians and Caesar seem to focus on the activities of the Egyptian general Achillas and the spoiled child-pharaoh Ptolemy XIII. But Freeman recounts how Achillas was actually murdered by Ganymedes and most of the near disasters suffered by Caesar's forces, beseiged in the palace, were masterminded by this militarily astute courtier. Freeman also details the urban warfare that Caesar was forced to conduct in Alexandria that sounded eerily familiar to anyone who watches CNN regularly. I was also surprised to read that the often-portrayed luxurious "honeymoon" cruise up the Nile was a deliberate show of military force since the royal barge was accompanied by over 400 ships crammed with Roman troops. I am now more convinced than ever that Caesar's effort to father a child with Cleopatra was a deliberate act to obtain a client king related by blood to secure Egypt without annexing it and risking its plunder by a corrupt proconsular governor in the future.

Freeman mentioned Caesar's epilepsy only in passing early on in the text. This surprised me since I have long suspected that a head wound Caesar sustained on campaign was actually the cause of the increased frequency of seizures Caesar suffered toward the end of his life and perhaps one of the reasons for the apparent lack of political judgment he exercised at the time of the Africa triumph when he included unpopular tableaus depicting the deaths of Scipio and Cato. Freeman only observed that Caesar showed particularly bad taste in celebrating a triumph over his Roman opponents and how this had upset his normally adoring crowd. There were at least four significant seizures documented by the ancient sources (Plutarch, Suetonius, Appian, and Pliny) that modern experts conclude, according to J. R. Hughes, Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, "were probably complex partial seizures: (1) while listening to an oration by Cicero, (2) in the Senate while being offered the Emperor's Crown, and in military campaigns, (3) near Thapsus (North Africa) and (4) Corduba (Spain)."

Drs. J.G Gomez, J.A. Kotler, and J.B. Long, Division of Neurological Surgery, Holy Cross Hospital, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, conducted a pathological analysis of Caesar's reported symptoms and behavioral changes in 1995 and suggested he may have been suffering from a brain tumor. "The patient had late onset of seizures in the last two years of his life, headaches, personality changes. Upon reexamination of existing Julius Caesar iconography, busts, statues and minted coins no skull deformities have been noted. Identification of a skull deformity as described by Suetonius would have confirmed the suspicion of meningioma involving the convexity of the cerebral hemispheres. Meningioma or slow-growing supratentorial glioma may well have been responsible for this man's illness."

In any event, I think a man who had demonstrated such a superior grasp of Roman politics in the past would not have committed such blunders on purpose or because success had simply "gone to his head".

Freeman included a wonderful compedium at the end of the book that listed his sources for various sections within the text that is a valuable reference for readers wishing to learn more about specific events in Caesar's life. A comprehensive bibliography and index rounded out the text's impressive list of source materials. There were only two things contained in the book that gave me pause. One was a reference to a pilum not being designed as a throwing weapon but rather a thrusting weapon. I think this must have been a lapse in editing as Freeman was comparing Roman weapons with other weapons of the ancient world. Alexander's Macedonians carried sarissas, that, unlike commonly used Greek spears, were not designed for throwing but for thrusting. Likewise, the Roman gladius was designed for thrusting rather than slashing. But a Roman pilum was designed to bend on impact to make it difficult to remove and Freeman pointed this out. So, I would think a weapon so designed was obviously intended primarily for throwing. The other error was the inclusion of an image of a sculptured head of Lucius Cornelius Sulla labeled as Gaius Marius in the photo insert section. It was provided by the Bridgeman Art Library and perhaps the labeling error was theirs. The head is in the permanent collection of the Glyptotek in Munich, Germany as indicated but according to an overwhelming majority of people on the web, including the scholars who maintain Vroma.org, the head belongs to Marius' arch enemy, Sulla. See http://www.vroma.org/~bmcmanus/optima....

[Sinan Kurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was für eine wundervolle Geschichte...
Er ist eine wichtige und bekannte Person weltweit. Er ist also tolles Kommando, wer ein messerscharfer Verstand für den Krieg und die Strategie. Wir wissen auch dass er die Rhetorik und Pionier-fähigkeiten hat. Die Beziehung zwischen ihm und Kleopatra war ein epischer Moment über Rom und Ägypten.



What a wonderful Journey...
He is an important and well-known person worldwide. So he‘s a great commander who has a bright mind about the war and the strategie. We also know that he has the ability rhetoric and lead. The relationship between him and Cleopatra was an epic moment about Rome and Egypt.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially began to read this book as "filler" material, you know the time when you have finished one book and are still looking for the next book that interest you. However, once I started reading I couldn't stop. This was an easy read with just the right amount of detail and summary to keep it interesting. My view on Julius Caesar has been modified and my understanding of politics as well.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in great men and their deeds as well as anyone with an interest in history. I feel better educated after reading this book.

[Eusebiu Florescu · Rating 4 out of 5]

An impressive and succinct historical narrative about one of the greatest men in human history. While only his most significant achievements are highlighted, the author still throws in other important details about Julius Caesar, which, if anything, make him appear more human, fallible, and morally gray.

[Infosifter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A clear, engaging, and brief account of the life and assassination of Julius Caesar. This might be a good choice for a high school student assigned to read the Shakespeare play and then wanted more background.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thorough and very readable!

[Aatish Shinde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Today marks 2,067 years since Julius Caesar was assassinated in broad daylight in Rome.

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book serves as a basic summary of the events of Caesar's life, but Freeman does little to probe the man himself. I suppose this could serve as a good introduction, and Freeman writes in a readable style. Granted, there is not much material to try and probe into the personality and psychology of Caesar, but I would have preferred the author attempt some inspired guesses. Crucial questions, such as why the senators heaped honors upon him, and why he accepted them, are dealt with in a few paragraphs. There are no narrative threads suggested that might explain some of Caesar's actions. I expect a biographer to tell more than merely what happened. The biographer needs to try and understand the person from the inside out.

One of my students, upon examining a bust of Caesar, proclaimed, 'There is something wrong. One sees great qualities, but he also seems quietly restless and desperate.' In that sentence I feel he had more insight into who Caesar was than Freeman did in 350 pages.

Because of these deficiencies I grew bored with the book about 2/3 through and ended up skimming to the end.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a historian, Philip Freeman is thorough. As a writer, Freeman is thoroughly entertaining. He has succeeded brilliantly in bringing to life one of the most famous historical figures of all time. I found myself captivated by Freeman's narrative style and I flew through his engaging story of Caesar's life and times. Having read Shakespeare's treatment a number of times, it was thrilling to fill in the blanks and better understand the historical context in which this fascinating life was lived. Time and again I found myself fully invested in the tension between Caesar's populist sympathies and despotic ambition. Freeman's scholarship is never in doubt but the really pleasant surprise is his ability to turn even the minutiae of everyday life in the first-century B.C. into an integral part of a captivating tale. From the political hotbed of Rome to the wild outposts of Gaul and beyond, Freeman will have you absorbed. A truly wonderful book. Highly recommended.

[Masen Production · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Philip Freeman's Julius Caesar is a fascinating and well-written book. I have read many books on the life of Julius Caesar and he is one of my favorite leaders of all times. I can understand what it must have been to serve under him or stand against him. Even 2000 years later one knows that he was a master tactician, intelligent politician, supreme leader who stood in front always and above all he too had flaws which finally saw to his downfall.
Freeman's book provides a highly readable account of Caesar's fascinating life. A journey from the Suburbs (suburbia) of Rome to the master military leader and engineer of innovative skills under pressure. His years as Pontifex Maximus (chief priest of Rome). Among other things he redesigned the calendar to the one we still use today. To the extent the Month of July is attributed to his family name Julian.
After reading this book we are left to form our own opinion of this controversial man. I strongly recommend this book to all.”

[judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had doubts about this book. Julius Caesar, one of history's greats, in under 400 pages?Still, since I actually hadn't read a biography of Caesar, I might as well press on. It starts somewhat typically (read uninteresting) but as time goes by and Caesar begins his career as a soldier, the pace picks up dramatically. Let me put it this way--this book would make a heck of an action movie. Caesar's brilliance in developing new tactics on the spot and doing the unexpected ranks with any big screen thriller. A brilliant man who fought quite a few almost equally brilliant men. He did some great things for Rome while acting in political capacities but as a general and leader of men, there is no equal. This kind of book normally wouldn't be my choice but it was riveting. Now I want to read more books about him and just hope I'm not disappointed.

[Eren Yaşaran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaynaklarının da bolluğundan çok güzel faydalanan yazar oldukça akıcı bir dille roman edasıyla çok başarılı bir biyografi yazmış. Ancak kişisel tavsiyem bir atlas eşliğinde okumanız olacaktır.

[Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top 5 of my favorites

[BenAbe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the author's other work on Alexander the Great, I had great expectations for this one...and I wasn't disappointed! It's quite the task to make such world historical individuals comprehensible in terms of both their actions and the motives behind them and the author delivers just that.

The book serves as a biography of the colossus that was Julius Caesar, covering an odyssey of a life from his humble beginnings through his political career and his command of the legions in search of glory across lands that ranged from the misty shores of the British Isles to the hills of Gaul and the sunlit streets of Alexandria.
We get to see Caesar both as the cunning politician and the ruthless military man. Much emphasis is rightly put on his mastery of propaganda and the engineered image he projected, both through his public performances/charisma and what can only be described as the weaponization of clemency as a tool of war. For public opinion, as the book shows, was as much of an important front for Caesar as the unforgiving frontiers of late Republican Rome.

in summation: Freeman presents Caesar as a visionary politician, dictator, and general who aimed to transform Rome from an insular, inward looking oligarchy into a truly international empire.


P.S. You may want to check the Wikipedia pages for the Gallic Wars and other related campaigns as The maps there are quite helpful. Freeman’s account of Caesar’s Gallic campaign is detailed enough to merit having a visual aid for it will save you from getting lost in the maze of tribal names and geography. It also helps to track the shifting fronts and troop movements as you read.

Another thing you might want to check before reading (or after, in case you have already done so) this book is Mike Duncan’s 'The Storm Before the Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic'. Even though Freeman gives enough background on the events leading up to Caesar’s rise (Sulla’s reign and the chaos that followed) Duncan’s book makes for an excellent prelude setting the stage for Freeman's narrative.



I found this to be a superb and enjoyable read. As a biography of Caesar, it’s top-notch.


Rating: 4/5.

[Andrew Loach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this Audible in just 2–3 days, and what a fantastic listen. Julius Caesar truly was one of the greatest men to ever live, and Philip Freeman brings his life to the forefront with clarity and momentum.

He was kidnapped by pirates (then crucified them), defied a dictator, conquered Gaul, invaded Britain, crossed the Rubicon, overthrew a Republic, had a child with Cleopatra, and still found time to rewrite the calendar.

Going into this, I didn’t have an in-depth knowledge of Caesar himself, but this book easily laid the foundation of the Roman Republic from 70 to 44 BC. Freeman does a stellar job of providing context without ever getting bogged down in dry detail. He also weaves in the surrounding cast, (Pompey, Cato, Cleopatra, Cicero, Brutus, and more) truly giving the full picture of Rome at this time.

This is the perfect book for anyone wanting to better understand the Roman Empire or simply explore one of the most fascinating lives in human history. His refusal to quit, his resilience, and his vision for Rome are both inspiring and chilling.

“Veni, vidi, vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered.”) - Julius Caesar

4.55/5

[Gün · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Caesar Alpler'e gelene dek hız kesmedi. Dağların tepelerinde bir köye ulaşınca, Caesar'ın yoldaşlarından biri sefil kulübelere baktı ve gülerek bu kadar acınası bir köyde bile iktidar ve nüfuz mücadelesi olup olmadığını düşündü. Caesar'ın söylediği, korkutucu bir biçimde Milton'un Kayıp Cennet'indeki Şeytan'ın sözlerini andırıyordu:

Roma'da ikinci adam olmaktansa burada birinci adam olmayı yeğlerim"

Antik kaynaklardan derlenerek bu gibi anekdotların aktarıldığı, akıcı bir dille yazılan güzel, derli toplu bir biyografi. Görebildiğim tek sorunun, bazı bölümlerinin kısa tutulması olduğunu söyleyebilirim. Belki de bu da detaylar arasında fazla boğulmadan Sezar'ın yaşam öyküsünü okumak isteyen okuyucu için bir avantaj olabilir.

[TheInsaneRobin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three stars — a solid read, but not as gripping as I hoped

I absolutely loved Phillip Freeman’s Alexander the Great biography—it was fast-paced, vivid, and packed with insight. So I came into Julius Caesar with high expectations. While Freeman’s writing remains clear and approachable, I didn’t find myself fully engaged until the final quarter of the book, when Caesar crosses the Rubicon and the real political and personal drama kicks in.

To be fair, that’s more a reflection of Caesar’s early life and career than any flaw in Freeman’s storytelling. Still, I wish the book had spent more time on the intense final years of his life, which were by far the most compelling. A decent introduction to Caesar’s world, but not as consistently thrilling as Freeman’s take on Alexander.