The Genius, Courage, and Unfinished Plans of Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar, born in 100 B.C., was a Roman military general who excelled at oratory, politics, and much more. Everything from his military victories to his personal life, from the way he lived to the way he died, inspires debate and controversy to this day. Learn more 👇

Caesar was once kidnapped by pirates. Even though a prisoner, he acted like he was the captain of the ship and ordered his captors around. He chided them for their ransom amount being too low, and told them that he will have them crucified. Once free, Caesar did just that.

Two walls. At the Battle of Alesia, Caesar was outnumbered 3 to 1 and was simultaneously being attacked from two sides. Caesar's genius next move was to build two long walls around his base, effectively create a makeshift fort that he used to wage - and win - a two front war.

According to Montaigne, Caesar practiced more "restraint and reflection" than Alexander the Great, who went "looking for dangers and charging at them like a rushing torrent." But when the moment demanded, Caesar "charged up to the head of the enemies without his shield."

Plodious Pulcher entered a women-only religious festival in the guise of a woman with the intention of seducing Caesar's wife Pompeia. Nothing transpired, but Caesar divorced his wife anyway: "Ceasar's wife must be above suspicion." Caesar could be an uncompromising man.

Nietzsche wrote that Caesar suffered from "inexorable and fearful instincts" that threatened to overwhelm him. Against these wild urges, he had to exercise the "maximum of authority and discipline." Internal dangers acquaint us with "our resources, our virtues...our spirit."

Vedi Vini Vici. When Caesar fought the Battle of Zela, his opponent Pharnaces II had 5,000 extra men and chariots armed with military scythes. But they committed many strategic blunders and were routed by Caesar. He wrote to Rome: "Vedi Vini Vici." I came, I saw, I conquered.

At the time of his assassination, Caesar had big plans. He wanted to build a massive temple dedicated to Mars the God of war, erect a library that would surpass the Library of Alexandria, restructure the tax code, and invade Persia. History would've looked different if he lived.

Cicero on Caesar: "In that man were combined genius, method, memory, literature, prudence, deliberation, and industry. Having for many years aimed at being a king, he had with great labor, and much personal danger, accomplished what he intended."

At 33, Caesar cried as he read about Alexander the Great. When asked why, he said: "It's matter for sorrow that while Alexander, at my age, was already king, I have as yet achieved no brilliant success." By the time of his death, Caesar had itched his name in history forever.