Luke Koppenheffer

Caesar’s overwhelming power in Rome was earned from his being a role model for his army through both his actions, his spartan-like lifestyle, and his treatment of both his allies and soldiers. Caesar was very generous towards the soldiers he lived alongside, making them want to follow him. Caesar used that loyalty to gain power, attracting allies. Caesar also gained allies through his political generosity, not just his power. Caesar himself realized that convincing people to follow him was a better ruling style than ruling through force. Julius Caesar was a famous politician who accomplished multiple things in his military career, including the conquest of lands. Previous to all of these actions, Caesar began his career …show more content…
He gained their support by generously giving back to them. Caesar amassed a large sum of wealth, and instead of keeping it for himself, he gave it to his soldiers. He gave them more than their promised pay, and provided them with five-thousand attic drachmas, the currency of Rome (Appian, 1913). Caesar also held many festivals with animals and music for them. He also started many public building projects that were beneficial to his soldiers, such as the temple of Venus, a place for the Roman citizens to trade and conduct business (Appian, 1913). Caesar also won over his own people with his generosity. Once Caesar had finished his invasion of Rome, he held a party. During this party, Caesar forgave all those who fought against him. This was described as “an act of generosity beyond belief” (Vellius, 20 A.D). He held this party for the entire city so that his own people were able to relish his successes with him. There was a gladiator show, a battle reenactment in honor of the soldiers, and elephants (Vellius, 20). Because this took place in Rome, the entire city’s morale was boosted. Caesar forgave the members of Pompey’s armies, and incentivized them to join his army. Those who were already a part of Caesar’s forces were treated well (Vellius, 20). By forgiving his enemies in a public place in front of his people, he created a generous image for himself. Caesar even forgave those who verbally opposed …show more content…
He redistributed land among the poor. He took land from the rich, and from his political enemies from the Roman invasion, and gave parts of it to the plebeians (Mark, 2011). It is important to consider the agenda and mindset the Senators had. They were only focused on benefiting the upper class, as they were of the upper class. Because Caesar was very pro-populares, he disregarded the Senate, and took from them to give back to his people. Caesar created a police force, and made his time as dictator prosperous for the plebeians (Mark, 2011). Caesar also abolished the tax system, which was beneficial for the plebeians, as they got to keep their money instead of giving it to the government. Since Caesar also served as the government during his time as dictator he did not need the tax money, as he had amassed enough wealth (Mark, 2011). Caesar used ulterior methods to make people want to follow him. Caesar ignored the Senate during his rule due to their mistreatment of him. Caesar also used his four victories to boost his popularity by constantly mentioning them and by throwing parties, such as the victory festival Caesar held in Rome (Hooper, 1979). His four victories were in Gaul, Egypt, Pontus, and Numidia. These victories made Caesar “master of the world” (Hooper, 1979). He used these victories as a political vantage point to make the plebeians like him even