30 Interesting Facts About Caesar

The whole world knows the name Gaius Julius Caesar, the famous ruler of Ancient Rome. This brilliant man came to power through his own efforts and was greatly loved by the people, but he fell victim to betrayal. However, he was only human, and therefore made mistakes as well. He spent many years of his life in military campaigns, but he also excelled in politics, eventually rising to an untouchable height.

Facts About Caesar’s Life:

1. Gallic Wars: Gaius Julius Caesar spent more than eight years of his life in the territories of modern-day Switzerland, France, Belgium, Germany, and the UK during the Gallic War, annexing a vast region from the Atlantic Ocean to the Rhine River to the Roman Republic.
2. Caesarean Section: The medical term “Caesarean section” was named after Julius Caesar, who was believed to have been born via this method. However, historians doubt this fact as there is no concrete evidence.
3. Etymology: The words “czar” and “kaiser” are actually derived from “Caesar.”
4. Pirate Capture: In his youth, Caesar was captured by pirates who demanded a ransom. He was insulted by the amount they asked, claiming he was worth twice as much. After the ransom was paid, he borrowed a fleet from his uncle, tracked down the pirates, and destroyed them.
5. Laurel Wreath: Caesar famously wore a laurel wreath to hide his baldness, as he was very self-conscious about losing his hair.
6. First Marriage: At 16, Caesar married for the first time, but the political intrigues of the Roman Republic’s dictator Sulla, who insisted on the marriage’s annulment, forced Caesar to flee. Despite the threat of death, Caesar refused to annul the marriage and was eventually pardoned. He later married Sulla’s granddaughter and was married three times in total.
7. July Named After Caesar: The month of July was named in his honor. The name “July” itself is derived from “Julius.”
8. Not an Emperor: Contrary to popular belief, Caesar was never an emperor of Rome. He held the titles of consul and dictator for life.
9. Cleopatra and Caesarion: Caesar and Cleopatra had a son named Caesarion, but he was killed, leaving Caesar without direct descendants.
10. Brutus Betrayal: Popular legend holds that Brutus, one of Caesar’s assassins, was actually his illegitimate son.
11. “Et Tu, Brute?”: According to historians, Caesar fought back against his assassins until he saw Brutus among them, at which point he uttered the famous words “Et tu, Brute?” and ceased resisting.
12. Anger Management: Caesar would recite the entire Latin alphabet to himself when he felt angry, giving himself time to calm down before speaking.
13. Legal Manipulation: Caesar once forged legal texts, inserting a non-existent procedure (duoviri perduellionis, or treason) to accuse and convict Gaius Rabirius for a conspiracy. However, this effort was thwarted by the famous orator Cicero.
14. Calendar Reforms: The Roman year used to start in March until Caesar shifted the calendar to begin on January 1st.
15. Leap Year: It was under Caesar’s rule that the concept of the leap year was introduced, a practice still used today.
16. Multitasking: Historians claim that Caesar could handle up to three tasks simultaneously.
17. Caesar Salad: The Caesar salad has no connection to Julius Caesar. It was named after an American chef of Italian descent, Caesar Cardini, who invented the recipe.
18. Orwell’s “Animal Farm”: In the French edition of Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” the main pig character, Napoleon, was originally named Caesar. Later editions reverted to the original name.
19. No Alcohol: There is no historical record of Julius Caesar consuming alcohol, and he was never seen intoxicated.
20. Naval Battles in Theaters: Caesar hosted the first known mock naval battle (naumachia) to celebrate his triumph, featuring 2,000 prisoners of war and 4,000 rowers in an arena filled with water.
21. Superstition: Upon landing in Africa, Caesar stumbled and fell face-first. His superstitious soldiers were alarmed, but Caesar quickly grabbed a handful of sand and declared, “I have you in my hands, Africa!” He later triumphed in Egypt.
22. Assassination and Aftermath: Caesar was stabbed 29 times by the conspirators, who hastily burned his body using nearby benches and tables.
23. Generosity in Death: According to Caesar’s will, every Roman citizen received 300 sesterces from his estate, a significant sum even for the patricians.
24. Personal Grooming: Caesar meticulously shaved his face and even underwent body hair epilation, a practice common among Romans at the time.
25. Writer and Poet: Besides being a military and political leader, Caesar was also a writer. He penned poetry, satirical prose, and serious historical works.
26. Epilepsy: Caesar suffered from periodic epileptic seizures, known in Rome as the “sacred disease.” He once fainted during a battle he was commanding.
27. Octavian’s Name Theft: After Caesar’s assassination, Octavian adopted his name, calling himself Gaius Julius Caesar. However, history has clarified the distinction.
28. City Traffic Restrictions: Caesar implemented a ban on carts and wagons entering the Roman Forum, similar to modern-day restrictions on vehicles in city centers.
29. Caesar’s Comet: Shortly after his assassination, an unusually bright comet appeared in the sky, visible even during the day. Rumor spread that it was the soul of Caesar ascending to the heavens.
30. Caesar’s Writings: His works are considered classics of ancient Roman literature, and even today, they are used to teach the Latin language.