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Julius Caesar is widely regarded as one of the greatest commanders of all time. His campaigns and tactics have been studied and admired by soldiers since the ancient era. Among his admirers were Napoleon and Rommel. Many regard him as the greatest general in history. There are many reasons why the Roman general was so successful and why he never suffered a major reversal on the battlefield. This article will focus on the factors that made Caesar near-invincible in war. The three main reasons for the success of the Roman were his leadership skills, his daring and speed and his masterly use of artillery.

====Early Life====[[File: Julius Two.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Julius and Cleopatra]]Caesar was born into There are many reasons why the Roman aristocracy into a family that had been distinguished in the city for centuries. He was associated with the popular party in Rome and was related to the great general Marius<ref> Goldsworthy, Adrian, Caesar: Life of a Colossus (Yale University Press, 2008), p. 13</ref>. He was fortunate to escape the proscriptions of Sulla so successful and to escape the attention of the dictator why he joined never suffered a major reversal on the armybattlefield. This article will focus on the factors that made Caesar was a capable soldier and he received the highest award for bravery near-invincible in the Roman Republic because of war. The Romans' success's three main reasons were his role in a siege in modern Turkey. On one occasion he was captured by some pirates leadership skills, daring and after he was ransomed he returned speed, and seized his former captors and crucified them, all. This led him to be awarded another award for bravery. He became very prominent in Rome because masterly use of his lavish expenditure and oratoryartillery.

== What was Caesar also forged a political alliance with Crassus, one of Rome's richest men. The ambitious young politician Early Life Like? ==Caesar was later elected Pontifex Maximus (chief priest) of Rome and secured for himself born into the governorship of Roman aristocracy into a province family distinguished in Spain. Here he defeated two tribal confederations and was voted a Triumph by the Senate, a singular mark of honor city for the young aristocratcenturies. Later he joined He was associated with the First Triumvirate (59 BCE), an informal alliance between Caesar, Pompey popular party in Rome and Crassus and they dominated Roman political life for ten yearswas related to the great general Marius.<ref>Goldsworthy, Adrian, Caesar: Life of a Colossus (Yale University Press, 2008), p. 11213</ref> This arrangement secured He was fortunate to escape the proscriptions of Sulla and to escape the attention of the dictator. He joined the army. Caesar was a capable soldier and he received the consulship highest award for bravery in the Roman aristocrat and the command Republic because of an army his role in a siege in northern Italymodern Turkey. On one occasion he was captured by some pirates and after he was ransomed he returned and seized his former captors and crucified them, this was after all. This led him to mark the start be awarded another award for bravery. He became very prominent in Rome because of his career as a generallavish expenditure and oratory.

====Caesar’s career as Caesar also forged a general====Some allies political alliance with Crassus, one of Rome's richest men. The ambitious young politician was later elected Pontifex Maximus (chief priest) of Rome and secured for himself the Romans governor's governorship in Gaul (France) were Spain. Here he defeated two tribal confederations and was voted a Triumph by invading Germanic tribes the Senate, a singular mark of honor for the young aristocrat. Later he joined the First Triumvirate (55 59 BCE). , an informal alliance between Caesar used this as a pretext to intervene in the area, which was outside the Empire. He beat back the Helvetia Pompey and Crassus and massacred many German tribesthey dominated Roman political life for ten years.<ref> Caesar, The Gallic Wars (London, Penguin Books, 1984)Goldsworthy, p 19. 112</ref> This alarmed arrangement secured the Celtic tribes consulship for the Roman aristocrat and they banded together in a defensive alliance. Once more, ever the opportunist Caesar used this as command of an excuse to invade Gaularmy in northern Italy. He This was to spend the following years conquering mark the Celts who were organized into powerful confederation. Caesar in a series start of battles defeated major tribes such as the Belgae. Caesar was able to extend his consulship career as part of a deal with Pompey and Crassus. The commander launched an invasion of Britain, to punish tribes who were supporting his Gallic opponents (55 BCE)general.

The Roman also raided deep into Germany to deter == How did Caesar become a successful General? ==[[File: Julius Two.jpg|300px|thumb|left|Julius and Cleopatra]]Some allies of the Romans in Gaul (France) were defeated by invading Germanic tribes from intervening (55 BCE). Caesar used this as a pretext to intervene in Gaul. In 52 BCE the general faced perhaps the greatest challenge of his life when area, which was outside the Gaul’s rebelled against Roman ruleEmpire. A massive Gallic army surrounded He beat back the Romans at Allesia, but despite this, the legionnaires prevailedHelvetia and massacred many German tribes.<ref> Caesar, The Gallic Wars (London, Penguin Books, 1984), p. 8919</ref> This victory for Caesar effectively was alarmed the end of all resistance to his conquestCeltic tribes, and they banded together in a defensive alliance. The Roman general had conducted what many regarded Once more, ever the opportunist Caesar used this as an illegal war and the Senate threatened him with prosecutionexcuse to invade Gaul. To avert this Caesar marched on Rome with his army and occupied He was to spend the city. This led to a civil war between him and following years conquering the optimates (senators)Celts, who were led by Pompey. They fled to the Balkans and recruited organized into a large armypowerful confederation. Caesar landed , in a series of battles, defeated major tribes such as the Balkans and attacked the Optimates army under the command of PompeyBelgae. This campaign was very difficult for Caesar and he was lucky able to escape extend his consulship as part of a decisive defeatdeal with Pompey and Crassus. The commander launched an invasion of Britain to punish tribes supporting his Gallic opponents (55 BCE).

The conqueror Roman also raided deep into Germany to deter the Germanic tribes from intervening in Gaul. In 52 BCE the general faced perhaps the greatest challenge of his life when the Gaul’s maneuvered Pompey into a battle Gauls rebelled against Roman rule. A massive Gallic army surrounded the Romans at Pharsalus in modern GreeceAllesia, but despite this, the legionnaires prevailed. <ref> Caesar was out-numbered, and his opponent was a great generalp. He 89</ref> This victory for Caesar effectively was able to defeat the numerically superior enemy at the Battle end of Pharsalus. He enemies were shattered and fled all over the known world. Caesar followed Pompey resistance to Egypt but found his old foe had been assassinated by orders of the Ptolemiesconquest. The Roman general became romantically involved with Queen Cleopatra VII had conducted what many regarded as an illegal war and at the Battle of Senate threatened him with the Nile, he defeated her rival for the throneprosecution. In that same year, Asia Minor was invaded by Pharnaces IITo avert this, king of the Bosphoran kingdom (Crimea). Caesar annihilated the larger marched on Rome with his army in just five days and after this, he uttered occupied the line ‘I came, I saw, I conqueredcity.’<ref> Plutarch, Life of Caesar, 45, 7</ref>

The civil war was not over, and the senators and the followers of Pompey regrouped in North Africa. Caesar pursued them and landed in modern Tunisia. He fought a bloody draw with his old subordinate Titus Labienus at the battle of Ruspina. However, after receiving some reinforcements he inflicted a decisive defeat on his enemies, at the battle of Thapsus and this led to the suicide of many prominent senators including Cato the Younger. He knew that as long as his enemies were in the field that he was not secure. The remaining senators and Pompeiians regrouped in Spain and once more assembled a large army.<ref>Jonathan P. Roth, Roman Warfare (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009), p. 116</ref> == How did Caesar campaigned in Spain and he finally defeated his enemies at the Battle of Munda in 45 BCE in Spain. This was the end of the civil wars and win the Roman general was supreme ruler in Rome and had himself made dictator for life. In Rome he began to plan invasions of Dacia and Parthia but before he could embark on these campaigns he was assassinated in 44 BCE.Civil War? ==

====The leadership of Caesar ====One of the reasons for Caesar's success was his great leadership. He was a charismatic leader and he could persuade his men to do anything and to do the impossible. This can be seen time and time again. Caesar was able to rally his men at Alessia and persuade them to attack numerically superior forces on many battlefields. Caesars ability to motivate his men and galvanize them into action was unmatched and even his enemies acknowledged this. His men were devoted led to a civil war between him and they loved their generalthe optimates (senators), led by Pompey. They obeyed him fled to the Balkans and unlike many contemporary armies they were very-well disciplined.<ref> Roth, precruited a large army. 116</ref> Caesar reputedly could quell any dissent landed in the ranks with Balkans and attacked the sheer force Optimates army under the command of his personalityPompey. This campaign was challenging for Caesar , and he was fortunate lucky to have at his disposal some of the finest soldiers in the ancient era, this and his leadership skills meant that his forces were often invincible even in the most difficult of circumstancesescape a decisive defeat.

Perhaps the key to Caesar’s leadership skills Caesar maneuvered Pompey into a battle at Pharsalus in modern Greece. Caesar was out-numbered, and his ability to inspire men opponent was that he led by examplea great general. Like Alexander the GreatStill, he was his own best soldierable to defeat the numerically superior enemy at the Battle of Pharsalus.<ref> Plutarch, 43 7</ref> He led from the front His enemies were shattered and if fled all over the line threatened known world. Caesar followed Pompey to break he would personally fight there, thus inspiring Egypt but found that the Ptolemies had assassinated his legions to victoryfoe.<ref> Barry Strauss, Masters of Command: Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar, The Roman general became romantically involved with Queen Cleopatra VII and at the Genius Battle of Leadership (New York: Simon & Schusterthe Nile, 2012), p. 137 </ref> He was also able to inspire his men because he promoted men on meritdefeated her rival for the throne. While his officers were mainly nobles he usually promoted them only on merit. A good example of this In that same year, Asia Minor was Mark Anthonyinvaded by Pharnaces II, who became his commander king of his cavalry and proved to be fearless in battlethe Bosphoran kingdom (Crimea). Caesers belief Caesar annihilated the larger army in merit was unique just five days, and after this meant that , he was supported by many gifted officers who could execute his orders effectivelyuttered the line ‘I came, I saw, I conquered.’<ref> RothPlutarch, Life of Caesar, 45, p. 1897</ref>

The civil war was not over, and the senators and Pompey's followers regrouped in North Africa. Caesar pursued them and landed in modern Tunisia. He fought a bloody draw with his old subordinate Titus Labienus at the battle of Ruspina. However, after receiving some reinforcements he inflicted a decisive defeat on his enemies, at the battle of Thapsus and this led to the suicide of many prominent senators including Cato the Younger. He knew that as long as his enemies were in the field that he was not secure. The remaining senators and Pompeiians regrouped in Spain and once more assembled a large army.<ref>Jonathan P. Roth, Roman Warfare (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2009), p. 116</ref>  Caesar campaigned in Spain, and he finally defeated his enemies at the Battle of Munda in 45 BCE in Spain. This was the end of the civil wars and the Roman general was a supreme ruler in Rome and had himself made dictator for life. In Rome, he began to plan invasions of Dacia and Parthia but before he could embark on these campaigns he was assassinated in 44 BCE. ==Why was Caesar a successful leader? ==Use One of the reasons for Caesar's success was his great leadership. He was a charismatic leader, and he could persuade his men to do anything and do the impossible. This can be seen time and time again. Caesar rallied his men at Alessia and persuaded them to attack numerically superior forces on many battlefields. Caesar's ability to motivate his men and galvanize them into action was unmatched and even his enemies acknowledged this. His men were devoted to him, and they loved their general. They obeyed him, and unlike many contemporary armies, they were very well disciplined.<ref> Roth, p. 116</ref>  Caesar reputedly could quell any dissent in the ranks with the sheer force of his personality. Caesar was fortunate to have at his disposal some of the finest soldiers in the ancient era. This and his leadership skills meant that his forces were often invincible even in the most difficult circumstances.  Perhaps the key to Caesar’s leadership skills and ability to inspire men was that he led by example. Like Alexander the Great, he was his own best soldier.<ref> Plutarch, 43 7</ref> He led from the front and if the line threatened to break he would personally fight there, thus inspiring his legions to victory.<ref> Barry Strauss, Masters of Command: Alexander, Hannibal, Caesar, and the Genius of ArtilleryLeadership (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2012), p. 137 </ref>  He was also able to inspire his men because he promoted men on merit. While his officers were mainly nobles, he usually promoted them only on merit. A good example of this was Mark Anthony, who became his cavalry commander and proved to be fearless in battle. Caeser's belief in merit was unique and this meant that he was supported by many gifted officers who could execute his orders effectively.<ref> Roth, p. 189</ref> <dh-ad/> ==How did Caesar revolutionize the use of Artillery? ==

Artillery was a regular feature of the ancient battlefield. In the ancient world, artillery referred to large weapons that could fire bolts, stones , or projectiles. These were very effective, and they were routinely used in sieges by both the defenders and the attackers. They were mainly used for defensive purposes because they were bulky and not very mobile. Caesar in his campaigns in Gaul brought these weapons in his train, for sieges. These included the ballista which could fire massive bolts and catapults, that could hurl rocks a great distance. Caesar in Gaul began to use these not as defensive weapons but as offensive weapons. He was able to integrate these weapons into his offensive strategies and employ them in conjunction with the legionnaires and cavalry.

Caesar recognized that catapults and ballistas could break up the massed formations of the Gaul’s. This allowed the Roman general to attack much larger forces and defeat them. Caesar also used , in his campaigns in Gaul, brought these heavy weapons very successfully in the invasion of Britain. He skillfully used the ballistas on his ships to break the British formations that were preventing him from landing on the shore of southern Englandtrain, for sieges. He was a pioneer in These included the offensive use of this weapons ballista which could fire massive bolts and employed them on the battlefield and not just in sieges.<ref> Hans Delbrückcatapults, Warfare in Antiquity, transthat could hurl rocks a great distance. Walter J. Renfroe, Jr., History of the Art of War 1 (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1990), p. 541</ref> The only other ancient general who deployed artillery Caesar in this way was Alexander the Great. Caesar’s use of artillery was imitated by generations of future Roman commanders. However, Caesar was also able Gaul began to use artillery in a conventional way and he was a master of siege warfarethese not as defensive weapons but as offensive weapons. He stormed many Celtic hill forts could integrate these weapons into his offensive strategies and employ them in Gaul by using ballistas conjunction with the legionnaires and catapults, such as at the siege of Siege of Uxellodunum, in Gaul.<ref> Caesar, pcavalry. 221</ref>

====Daring/ speed====[[File: Julius Three.jpg|200px|thumb|left|A nineteenth century painting of the assassination of Caesar]]Caesar was a risk taker and he would regularly devise strategies recognized that were very risky catapults and even recklessballistas could break up the massed formations of the Gauls. However, his gambles were always calculated ones and he would take great care with his plans and his tactics This allowed the Roman general to attack much larger forces and strategies were always well-thought outdefeat them. Caesar believed also used these heavy weapons very successfully in the invasion of Britain. He skillfully used the ballistas on his ships to break the British formations that prevented him from landing on the best way to win shore of southern England. He was by launching daring a pioneer in the offensive use of these weapons and rapid attacks, employed them on the battlefield and not just in this way he was not a conventional commandersieges.<ref>HollandHans Delbrück, Warfare in Antiquity, trans. Walter J. Renfroe, TomJr., Rubicon: The Last Years History of the Roman Republic Art of War 1 (LondonLincoln: University of Nebraska Press, Anchor Books, 20031990), p. 213541</ref> At times his risk-taking resulted in problems. This recklessness meant that he often advanced too quick and his supply lines could not keep pace. It was noted at the time that Caesar would often run out of food on his campaigns. For example, when he defeated the Helvetii his troops had already run out of food and other supplies.

However, The only other ancient general who deployed artillery in this way was Alexander the great gambler was ready to be reckless if he could achieve his twin goals of speed and surpriseGreat. It was often stated that Caesar was very fortunate, but his remarkable victories were usually a result Generations of speed and tactical surprise. A good example future Roman commanders imitated Caesar’s use of this was his victory at Thapsus in modern Tunisia where his speed enabled him to defeat a larger force of Optimates and allied tribesartillery. Despite being a risk-takerHowever, Caesar was flexible also able to use artillery in a conventional way and he was a master of siege warfare. He stormed many Celtic hill forts in Gaul by using ballistas and catapults, such as at the strategic retreatsiege of Uxellodunum, in Gaul. That is<ref> Caesar, he could disengage from a battle or situation and regroup and then fight when the circumstances were more advantageousp.221</ref>

====Conclusion==Was Caesar a reckless Commander? ==Caesar’s victories changed [[File: Julius Three.jpg|300px|thumb|left|A nineteenth-century painting of the Roman Empire and he decisively shaped not only the future assassination of Rome but also Europe. He Caesar]]Caesar was a great commander risk-taker, and never suffered a defeat in a battle, with the possible exception of the Battle of Dyrrhachium (48 BC)he regularly devised strategies that were potentially reckless. He was able to prevail over many enemiesHowever, including those who his gambles were numerically superior always calculated ones and armies who were led by he would take great commanders such as Pompey. Time care of his plans and again he demonstrated his genius on the battlefieldtactics and strategies were always well-thought-out. He was fortunate in that he commanded an army Caesar believed that the best way to win was very formidable, highly trained by launching daring and disciplinedrapid attacks. This made him an unconventional commander during this time period. However<ref>Holland, Tom, the achievements Rubicon: The Last Years of Caesar were unmatched in the Roman eraRepublic (London, Anchor Books, 2003), p. 213</ref>

The factors that have earned Caesar the reputation as one of the greatest generals of all time were At times his leadership skillsrisk-taking resulted in problems. He could inspire and cajole his menThis recklessness meant that he often advanced too quickly, and under his command, they performed remarkable featssupply lines could not keep pace. Caesar It was an innovator and he was able to use artillery such as catapults in ways noted at the time that changed the ancient battlefieldCaesar would often run out of food on his campaigns. He was a brilliant strategist and For example, when he emphasized speed defeated the Helvetii his troops had already run out of food and surprise and this ensured that the Roman general secured many victories against the oddsother supplies.

====Recommended Books====GoldsworthyHowever, AdrianCaesar was ready to be reckless if he could achieve his twin goals of speed and surprise. It was often stated that Caesar was very fortunate, but his remarkable victories were usually a result of speed and tactical surprise. A good example of this was his victory at Thapsus in modern Tunisia, where his speed enabled him to defeat a larger force of Optimates and allied tribes. Despite his aggressive tactics, Caesar: Life was flexible and was a master of the strategic retreat. That is, he could disengage from a Colossus (Yale University Press, 2008)battle or situation and regroup and then fight when the circumstances were more advantageous.

Barry Strauss==Conclusion==Caesar’s victories changed the Roman Empire and he decisively shaped not only the future of Rome but also Europe. He was a great commander and never suffered a defeat in a battle, Masters with the possible exception of Command: Alexanderthe Battle of Dyrrhachium (48 BC). He was able to prevail over many enemies, including those who were numerically superior and armies led by great commanders such as Pompey. Time and again, Hannibalhe demonstrated his genius on the battlefield. He was fortunate that he commanded an army that was very formidable, Caesarhighly trained, and disciplined. However, the Genius achievements of Leadership (New York: Simon & Schuster, 2012)Caesar were unmatched in the Roman era.

GrantThe factors that have earned Caesar the reputation as one of the greatest generals of all time were his leadership skills. He could inspire and cajole his men, and under his command, Michaelthey performed remarkable feats. The Twelve Caesars (New York: Penguin BooksCaesar was an innovator, and he was able to use artillery such as catapults in ways that changed the ancient battlefield. He was a brilliant strategist, and he emphasized speed and surprise, 1979)which ensured that the Roman general secured many victories against the odds.

====Recommended Books====* Syme, Ronald, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0192803204/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0192803204&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=a10af7542e214cda24649ca76457ed62 The Roman Revolution]</i> (Oxford, Oxford University, 2002).* Canfora, Luciano, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00720XI0A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00720XI0A&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=5de475b6b8ead57e112dcda8479acc57 Julius Caesar: The People's Dictator]</i> (Edinburg, Edinburgh University Press, 2006).* Jiménez, Ramon L., <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0275966208/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0275966208&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=20b9b0d1ca2a488932321afa4bb22afa Caesar Against Rome: The Great Roman Civil War]</i> (New York, Praeger, 2006).* Goldsworthy, Adrian, <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300126891/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0300126891&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=e3d7ca205d235ca4f80c8f42d215447a Caesar: Life of a Colossus]</i> (Yale University Press, 2008)* Freeman, Philip. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743289544/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0743289544&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=04b3744690637472a5e2eb2eb8dc57c6 Julius Caesar]</i>. (Simon and Schuster, 2008)* Grant, Michael. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0486822192/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0486822192&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=707967b3998ed8e0ee4b02e887ee7b50 The Twelve Caesars]</i> (New York: Penguin Books, 1979)* Osgood, Josiah. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521671779/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0521671779&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=78feb0248f30b4a6c2cfaa0048334c9f Caesar's Legacy: Civil War and the Emergence of the Roman Empire ]</i> (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2006)* Holland, Tom.[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1400078970/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1400078970&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=a25657c34ca67cbf377bd8dfbc462c2c Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic] (London, Anchor Press, 2003)* Goodman, Rob. ''[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1250042623/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1250042623&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=4c9157524f8c44ff12d67a6dff4613ad Rome's Last Citizen: The Life and Legacy of Cato: Mortal Enemy of Caesar]'' (St. Martin's Griffen, 2014)

Jonathan P. Roth, Roman Warfare (Cambridge<div class="portal" style="width: Cambridge University Press, 2009)85%;">====Related DailyHistory.org Articles====*[[How did Julius Caesar rise to power?]]*[[Why was Julius Caesar assassinated?]]*[[How did Caesar's conquest of Gaul change both Rome and Gaul?]]*[[What were the consequences of Caesar's assassination?]]</div>