The role Julius Caesar played as a leader of Rome that caused his assassination - Essay Example

of the of the Julius Caesar Role, As a Leader of Rome, Which Resulted In His Assassination Julius Caesar ruled Rome wisely and displayed great vigor in protecting the kingdom. He added more territories to Rome with his conquests on neighboring kingdoms. The period when Caesars ruled was considered to be the golden era in the history of Roman culture. During that era, Cicero was a prominent philosopher in Rome (Rome 1. In The Columbia Encyclopedia). At the time of Caesar’s death in 44 BC, the Roman empire consisted of several territories like Spain, Gaul, Italy, part of Illyria, Macedonia, Greece, West Asia Minor, Bithynia, Pontus, Cilicia, Syria, Cyrenaica, Numidia and the islands in the sea.

Egypt and Palestine were under the control of Rome. The Caesar era made history, because it had created an empire by destroying the republic (Rome 1. In The Columbia Encyclopedia). In 55 BC, Caesar entered Britain as a warning to the British Celts who were assisting their rebellious cousins in Gaul. He landed and made camp in Kent, however, after a few weeks had passed by, heavy storms occurred and in order to safeguard his fleet he was forced to retreat. He once again raided Britain in the year 54 BC and defeated the Britons, who were led by Cassivelaunus.

The Britons paid tribute to Caesar and promised him that they would neither support rebellions nor interfere in Gaul, subsequently; Caesar conducted a war against Gaul. However, the purpose of these expeditions were not to invade Britain but only to demonstrate Caesar’s prowess in battle and to stress his commitment to exterminating rebellions against his empire (Caesar, Gaius Julius (100 - 44 BC). In The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia including Atlas). After the death of Crassus in 53 BC, Pompey emerged as his rival.

He supported the rebellious members of the Senate who dissented with Caesar and planned to prosecute him in the Court. In response to this conspiracy, Caesar with his army crossed the Rubicon River and fought with Pompey’s army. This resulted in a civil war, which lasted up to 45 BC (Caesar, Gaius Julius (100 - 44 BC). In The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia including Atlas). Caesar emerged victorious in the battles at Pharsalus in the year 48 BC; Thapsus in the year 46 BC; and against King Pharnaces II in the year 47 BC in Asia Minor.

Caesar’s victories could be attributed to his brilliant war plans. He coined the famous slogan Veni Vidi Vici which means I came I saw I conquered. He spent some time in Egypt until Cleopatra gave birth to Caesarion. His last victory on the battlefield was in 45 BC, when he fought at Munda, in Spain, against the sons of Pompey. Caesar failed to establish peace in the empire. He was brutally stabbed to death at the feet of the Pompey’s statue, in the Senate, on the 15th of March, 44 BC (Caesar, Gaius Julius (100 - 44 BC).

In The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia including Atlas). Julius Caesar had rendered the Roman Republic his personal fiefdom. His word was law in Rome and he brooked no dissent. Some of the important reasons for his assassination are discussed in the sequel. The manner in which he ruled over the Roman Empire, led a number of people to believe that he would proclaim himself king. His autocratic behavior was proving to be really distressful to the populace and there were many who were unable to countenance it (Roberts).

Another military engagement had been planned by Caesar against Parthia. Cassius and Brutus – the son of Caesar – decided to end the tyranny and restore Rome to its republican status of yester year. To this end they decided to kill Caesar. In addition, there were a number of Caesar’s friends who were envious of his authority and fame. As such, this act brought about universal opprobrium on the assassins and after a prolonged war Octavian, the adopted son of Caesar, assumed control of the Roman Empire (Roberts).

Julius Caesar transformed the Roman Republic into the all powerful Roman Empire. He was an extremely competent general and statesman. He was made a lifelong dictator in 45 BC. His military prowess was witnessed in his campaign against Gaul; however this caused considerable consternation amongst the Roman Senators. Accordingly, they were desirous of curbing his power by disbanding his army. Caesar did not obey them and assumed power by entering Rome with his army. His tyrannical behaviour, autocratic manner and refusal to restore the Roman Republic were some of the reasons for his assassination on the Ides of March.

Works CitedCaesar, Gaius Julius (100 - 44 BC). In The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia including Atlas. 2005. 26 November 2007 .Roberts, P. HSC Ancient History. Pascal Press, 2006. P. 150.Rome 1. In The Columbia Encyclopedia. 2004. 26 November 2007 .