Julius Caesar

The two Roman rulers that will always be remembered are Gaius Julius Caesar and Marcus Antonius (Antony). Both of them had some qualities that every Roman admired and other qualities which they found to be against Rome's wills. As we read about both of their lives in Plutarch's written history Roman Lives we get an idea about who were a better leader and ruler of the Roman Empire. Julius Caesar, according to what we have read and my opinion, is a better emperor. He shows more admirable qualities than Antony and that is why his name will always be remembered.

Caesar was Rome's best general at the time before becoming dictator. His troops were very loyal to him, and he gained popularity through-out Rome. Being ambitious made him very confident in his power. When he was elected pontifex maximus, the senate was afraid of his decisions toward his opposition. What surprised the senate is how humane Caesar acted towards them because he spared their lives. This action was against the senate's rules. This act instead of bringing Caesar down brought him more support. We can say that Caesar was a bit of a gambler when it came to achieve power in the Roman government.

In one of his expeditions in the Alps he makes a statement which shows his ambition and tenacity by saying that "I'd rather be first here than second in Rome." Through this powerful statement we can have a clear idea that Caesar did not liked being under nobodies rule. His intelligence led him to gain support from the Romans when he needed it and lead his army into constant victories. Caesar is famous of his conquests in Gaul and through the Germanic tribes. These victories made the soldiers very happy because they profited from each one. The soldiers proclaimed him "Imperator," meaning that he was in the head of state and supreme commander in the Roman Empire, in whose name all victories were won. Another good quality of Caesar is that, when in time of peace the soldiers had no jobs, he gave them land and paid off all of their debts with his own money.

When Caesar gained full power and proclaimed himself as dictator for life, he aggravated many senators and the citizens of Rome. Being a dictator for life meant that he was a king. The Roman culture was against kings since they had the experience with the Tarquins. Caesar refused to be given the title king. This choice of Caesar led to his downfall since nobody liked his intentions at the time. After his death, Antony reads his will to the public where "he left every Roman citizen a substantial legacy." This shows the generosity of Caesar towards the Romans. After hearing this, the Roman citizens went against the assassins who had fled Rome in safety.

I believe that Caesar's commitment towards Rome distinguishes him from all the previous leaders and those to come after.

While reading Plutarch we find that Antony was a great commander in battles, but had many obsessions which would lead him to his downfall. Even before he became an important figure he was exposed to a life of gambling and drinking and other lusts. It seems like that part of Antony never changed. Women were an important part of his life which would cause ending of his life.

When it came to wars he was an incredible leader. We see his commitment to wanting to fight and win during Julius Caesar's rule. Antony was the second most important leader of the Roman Empire. When Caesar was away in his expeditions, Antony would take his place. Caesar trusted him because he had always been loyal to him and he had never let him down. The soldiers also respected him because he treated himself as an equal with them. This gained him respect.

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