Having previously read Goldsworthy’s biography of Augustus Caesar this biography is in my opinion, much better; perhaps it is because Julius Caesar led a much more active life being involved directly in years of military campaigns, writing massive volumes of poetry, literature and laws as opposed to Augustus Caesar who was not as robust (physically) and had the invaluable help of Marcus Agrippa for decades to share the burdens of rule.
There is no doubt that Goldsworthy admire Julius Caesar, but he does an excellent job of presenting counter views of Caesar’s actions throughout his career; did Caesar have to conquer Gaul, did his wars cost the lives of over one million and was this unusual for the times, etc. The great question that comes out of the book is if the policy of clemency used by Caesar was wise; certainly, August Caesar did not continue that policy nor did any other Roman ruler before or after Caesar have such a policy. Caesar’s belief that clemency coupled with his reasonable laws and improvements would not only be appreciated but would act as a form of protection for him was sadly a failure. Such clemency, even too many of his worse enemies who he even promoted, seems to only have led to resentment that those individuals owed their material success to the generosity of Caesar. The outstanding example of this policy failure was Brutus, who was the son of Caesars long time mistress Seville, who Caesar called son and who was rewarded with honors by Caesar was a prime mover in the assassination. Far from being the “noblest Roman,” Brutus was a prime example of individual greed, insecurity, and cowardice.
If you read one biography of Julius Caesar, I would strongly recommend this one. I believe that Goldsworthy has a great future as a military historian and look forward to future volumes.
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