Julius Caesar was a famous Roman statesman who was at the forefront of the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. In 60 BC Julius Caesar along with his colleagues formed the First Triumvirate, a political alliance that dominated Roman politics for several years. Also he was a great General, Dictator, Reformer and the symbol of ancient Rome. He was bold and powerful. Pompey, Julius Caesar, and Crassus formed the First Triumvirate.
They divided the Empire among themselves: Caesar in Gaul, Crassus in Parthia (Iran) and Pompey in Spain and ruled the Roman Empire. Pompey and Caesar were at loggerheads and Crassus had acted as a mediator between them. The Triumvirate disintegrated after Crassus’s death. Caesar was victorious in several battles in Gaul and Britain. He advanced towards east and overthrew his opponents in Asia Minor. This was the occasion, he sent his famous message to the Senate “Vini, Vidi Vici”, which means “I came, I saw, I conquered”.
Pompey looked upon Caesar’s progress with suspicion and envy. He asked Caesar to return to Rome without his army. Caesar forestalled Pompey, reached Rome and defeated him at Pharsalus. Later, chased Pompey to Egypt where he was killed. Egypt under Queen Cleopatra became an ally of Rome. Later Caesar became the Dictator of Rome. But he was murdered in 44 BCE by the Liberators-headed by Brutus in a Senate meeting.
Caesar increased the strength of the Senate and reduced its power. He distributed public lands and provided employment to the poor.
His reforms include the following: Improvement in Agriculture, reduction of taxes, removal of corrupt and oppressive Governors, and improvement in the coinage system and the introduction of the Julian calendar. He was also a great orator and a writer.