Explore the tumultuous rise of Julius Caesar as he navigates Roman politics, forming the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus. Discover his unexpected cooperative approach during his consulship, aimed at aiding veterans and the urban poor. Witness his ambitious military strategies in Gaul, including the dramatic battle against Vercingetorix. The podcast also delves into the philosophical clash of divine beliefs and Epicurean thought, shedding light on how these ideas shape the relentless ambition and complex rivalries leading to civil war.
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Formation of the First Triumvirate
Julius Caesar formed the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus to unite Rome's most powerful men.
This strategic alliance allowed Caesar to bypass Senate opposition and accelerate his reforms as consul.
insights INSIGHT
Leveraging Popular Assemblies
Caesar used popular assemblies instead of the Senate to pass reforms, enforcing legislation despite Senate opposition.
He combined political skill with populist support to overcome elite resistance and push ambitious laws.
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Staging Gallic Conquest
Caesar strategically exploited tribal conflicts and Roman alliances in Gaul to justify and stage his conquest.
He carefully used pretexts and local disputes to expand Roman control with plausible legal grounds.
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De Rerum Natura is a six-book poem written in Latin hexameters by Lucretius. It sets forth the physical theory of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, explaining the principles of atomism, the mortality of the soul, and the natural explanations for various phenomena. The poem is divided into six books, each addressing different aspects of Epicurean philosophy, including the atomic structure of the universe, the nature of mind and soul, the mechanics of sense perception, and the origins of the world and human society. Lucretius argues that the universe operates according to natural laws without divine intervention, and he aims to eliminate fear of death and the supernatural by demonstrating that all phenomena can be explained by natural causes[2][3][4].
De bello Gallico
Commentarii de bello Gallico
Aulus Hirtius
Gaius Julius Caesar
This work is a detailed report of Caesar's military campaigns in Gaul, written in a clear and concise style. It consists of eight books, with the first seven written by Caesar himself and the eighth completed by Aulus Hirtius. The text provides valuable insights into Caesar's military strategies, the geography and population of Gaul, and the political and social context of the time. Despite its historical significance, the work is also noted for its subjective nature, reflecting Caesar's own interests and biases.
De oratore
Cicero
Cicero's De Oratore is a significant work on rhetoric and oratory, exploring the art of public speaking and persuasion. While not solely focused on memory, it touches upon the importance of memory in effective communication. Cicero's writings reflect the advanced understanding of memory techniques in ancient Rome. The work highlights the value of memory training in classical education and its role in mastering the art of rhetoric. It provides insights into the cultural context of memory in ancient society.
Part 2 of 3 of the Life of Julius Caesar. In this episode:
Caesar forms the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, uniting Rome's most powerful men
His revolutionary consulship of 59 BCE bypasses Senate opposition through popular assemblies
The brilliant staging of the Gallic conquest, using allies and tribal conflicts as pretexts for expansion
His management of Rome through letters while commanding armies across Gaul
The death of Julia and Crassus fractures the political alliance holding Rome together
Vercingetorix's rebellion culminates in the decisive siege of Alesia, securing Gaul for Rome
Caesar transforms both Rome and Gaul forever through calculated strategy, personal magnetism, and relentless ambition—all while his enemies in Rome, led by Cato, plot his downfall and convince Pompey to turn against him, setting the stage for civil war.
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Also Thanks Dr. Richard Johnson, the Crassus to this Caesar series!
Cost of Glory 
