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Julius Caesar Research Paper

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“I came, I saw, I conquered” were famous words spoken by Julius Caesar, an extraordinary leader during the peak of Ancient Rome. Ancient Rome was a revolutionary era in world history, with an empire consisting of territory spanning from Egypt to Britain. Ancient Rome possessed unique styles of government, and powerful leaders. Julius Caesar was known to have transformed the Roman Republic into an empire, however he could not have done this without rising to power with the support of the lower class, or the Plebeians. Caesar used his charismatic skills to establish relationships with affluent figures in Rome, fund gladiator games, and appeal to the common man. He used his military tactics to conquer land, such as Egypt, Gaul, Spain, Britain …show more content…

Although he was considered a Patrician, he grew up in the poor district of Subura, and knew many of the Plebeians by name. His father, Marius, was an advocate for the Plebeians, therefore the people who respected his father respected him as well (Bruns, 40). Caesar’s charisma and charm was a contributing factor to his success in his position. He had many wives of all social classes, and was known to have many affairs. Because of this, he was viewed as powerful and dominant, which are significant traits in leadership (Bruns, 41). He also cultivated friendships with many affluent people in Rome, whom he convinced to fund his campaign using his charisma. Some of these important friendships included Pompey the Great, Marcus Licinius Crassus, and more. They helped fund events like building projects, gladiator games, bribes, and promises (Bruns, 44). One of the most popular stories demonstrating Caesar’s charisma involved when he was captured by pirates in 75 BC. Initially, they demanded twenty talents of silver as ransom, however Caesar burst out laughing and offered to give them fifty, because he thought he was worth more than twenty. Caesar was only twenty-five when this incident took place, and was already making a statement about his character (Burleson). Because of the things he did, he became more likable, which made him a better leader in the public's point of view. …show more content…

Caesar, a liberal leader, had the intentions to improve the living conditions of the common man through political means, which was made apparent when he executed the Law of Caesaron Municipalities in 44 BCE. The law states that only the needy may be granted rations of grain, to prevent the affluent from receiving unneeded grain (The Avalon Project Website). This law demonstrated Caesar’s dedication to helping the lower class. Although the law was never officially executed, it went into great depth about how to improve the lives of the Plebeians. He also inspected the grain regulations to ensure that everyone had an abundant supply of food to eat, no matter if they were rich or poor. Caesar formulated many land redistribution reforms in order to benefit the poor. He even offered land to veterans of the army to prove his dedication, and gain their respect and loyalty (study.com Website). Caesar authorized other significant legislation with the intention of aiding the poor. Some of these regulations included striking out one fourth of all Plebeian debt. He instituted a law that stated if a Plebeian was harmed or killed by a patrician, the patrician would be stripped of their wealth and belongings. Furthermore, Caesar enlarged the senate and extended citizenship. (New World Encyclopedia Website) Not only did these reforms enhance the lives of the lower class,

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