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Article: World conqueror.(Julius Caesar)(Biography)
- Article from:
- Calliope
- Article date:
- December 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Carus Publishing Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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When Julius Caesar finally entered Rome in 49 B.C., he found the city in political disarray. Pompey had already fled, along with many of his supporters in the Senate. Aware that his crossing of the Rubicon had been illegal, Caesar now sought to address the issue. First, he called upon the Optimates (see pages 24-26) still in the city and incorporated them into a new Senate that he established. This governing body then declared him dictator and gave him the power to pursue Pompey. Unlike dictators who had preceded him, Caesar did not seize his enemies' property or execute anyone. Instead, he demonstrated the Roman virtue of clementia, or clemency, and showed mercy to those ...