Julius Caesar Read Online Free PDF Page B

important step forward in his career, and it is not surprising that he immediately set out for Italy. Once again it is noticeable that, although he thrived on the active military life, he was always willing to abandon it the moment that some political advantage beckoned from Rome. The College of Pontiffs, which had been established very early in Roman history to watch over the preservation of religious observance and orthodoxy, had none of the disadvantages of his previous dalliance with the priesthood and all the advantages of one of the most exclusive clubs in the capital city. While non-political, it offered a privileged position in ruling circles and, to the right man at the right time, the ultimate and attractive prospect of aspiring to the office of pontifex maximus, the pagan Pope of Rome. There can be no doubt that Caesar’s family connections had been more than helpful in securing him this nomination, while his winning the civic crown at Mitylene and the commendation of his commander also probably played their part.
    Having made the crossing from Asia Minor, or Rhodes, to Greece, Caesar then crossed the Adriatic in a small boat of only four oars, manned by ten slaves and accompanied by two friends. Years later, in 49, at the height of his battle for the Roman world, he was to attempt to repeat the journey in somewhat similar fashion—only to be defeated by the weather. On this occasion, however, the crossing was successful, although at one moment there was an alarm.
     
    On the way over he thought he saw pirate ships and immediately took off his clothes presumably to swim for it rather than be captured yet again and fastened a dagger to his side. He soon realized he was mistaken and that what he had taken for the masts of ships was a row of trees coming up on the horizon.
    (A nice touch by Velleius Paterculus)
     
    On arrival in Rome, confirmed in his office by the College of Pontiffs, his ambition spurred him to make use of his military service and his civic crown to apply for the office of military tribune, twenty-four of whom were nominated annually. He was elected in 73 but did not assume his rank until the year after his return to Italy. The office did not necessarily imply active service in the field, but was often concerned solely with military organization and staff work at home, and the engagement only lasted for six months. But the holder was entitled to be called “Military Tribune of the People” for life, and the office was often an early step on the political ladder for young men of good family.
    The significance of the office of the tribunes had been largely abolished by the dictator Sulla, who had forbidden them from publicly addressing meetings of the people, one of their ancient rights. Caesar was foremost among those who sought to restore these privileges, once again openly demonstrating that he took his stand with the popular party. (Three years later all restrictions on the tribunate were lifted.) All our Latin sources mention Caesar’s election to military tribune because this post was filled by popular vote. It was the first office in which the people had shown their favor toward Caesar. In the year 70, Plautius, one of the tribunes, laid a bill before the people to grant an amnesty to all those followers of Marius and Cinna who had been exiled during the Sullan regime. Again the Populates were seen to be in the ascendant, and Caesar himself spoke out—for the first time—to the Roman people, advocating the amnesty and mentioning his brother-in-law Lucius Cinna who was among those who had been banished. The return of all these exiled followers of Marius immeasurably strengthened the popular party, and marked the turn of the political tide.
    But Caesar’s life in Rome was far from being that of a totally dedicated politician. Indeed many of his future opponents assumed that he was a political lightweight because of his luxurious style of living and his constant pursuit of women. One of