Cost of Glory 116 - Caesar 3: Divus Julius
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Jan 24, 2026 A dramatic sweep through Caesar’s return to a fractured Rome and his spectacular triumphs. Discussion of sweeping reforms from land grants to calendar change and massive public works. Tension over succession, the rise of Octavius, and debates about divinity and kingship. A tense recounting of omens, plots, the Battle of Munda, and the conspirators’ violent finale.
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Grooming By Exposure, Not Flattery
- Caesar tested Octavius by intense exposure, not merely grooming him, to judge capacity under pressure.
- The trial-by-exposure approach revealed Octavius' potential as a future political actor.
Monarchy's Practical Appeal Versus Roman Taboo
- Caesar wrestled with monarchy versus republic, recognizing a king might unify empire but Romans would never accept one.
- He sought hybrid solutions: monarchical efficiency within republican forms.
Divine Cult As Imperial Glue
- Eastern ruler-cults suggested divinity could cement loyalty across diverse provinces.
- Caesar confronted whether divine honors were a practical tool for imperial unity or political poison in Rome.
