Gaius Julius Caesar was a Roman politician and general who played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.
His victories in the Gallic Wars, completed by 51 BC, extended Rome's territory to the English Channel and the Rhine. These achievements granted him unmatched military power. Civil war resulted, and Caesar's victory in the war put him in an unrivalled position of power and influence.
After assuming control of government, he centralised the bureaucracy of the Republic and was eventually proclaimed "dictator in perpetuity", giving him additional authority. But the underlying political conflicts had not been resolved, and on the Ides of March (15 March) 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated by a group of rebellious senators led by Gaius Cassius Longinus, Marcus Junius Brutus, and Decimus Junius Brutus.
His victories in the Gallic Wars, completed by 51 BC, extended Rome's territory to the English Channel and the Rhine. These achievements granted him unmatched military power. Civil war resulted, and Caesar's victory in the war put him in an unrivalled position of power and influence.
After assuming control of government, he centralised the bureaucracy of the Republic and was eventually proclaimed "dictator in perpetuity", giving him additional authority. But the underlying political conflicts had not been resolved, and on the Ides of March (15 March) 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated by a group of rebellious senators led by Gaius Cassius Longinus, Marcus Junius Brutus, and Decimus Junius Brutus.
(1)
Julius Caesar
49-48 BC
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Obverse:
Elephant advancing right, trampling on serpent; CAESAR in exergue
Reverse:
Emblems of the pontificate: simpulum, aspergillum, securis (surmounted by wolf's head), and apex
(2)
Julius Caesar
I 49-VIII 48 BC
Obverse:
elephant right, trampling on serpent or carnyx (Gallic musical instrument), CAESAR
Reverse:
sacrificial implements - simpulum (laddle), sprinkler, axe, apex (priest's hat)
(3)
Julius Caesar
I - IV 46 BC
Obverse:
head of Ceres right, grain wreath, DICT·ITER COS·TERT
Reverse:
sacrificial implements: simpulum, aspergillum, capis (jug), lituus, AVGVR / PONT·MAX / M
(4)
Julius Caesar
47-46 BC
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Obverse:
Diademed head of Venus right
Reverse:
Aeneas advancing left, carrying palladium in right hand and Anchises on left shoulder; CAESAR to right