Character Catalog

An account in seven books (plus an eighth added by Hirtius) of Caesar's campaigns in Gaul. A major work of Latin literature, serving both as a historical source and a tool of political propaganda.

An account of the events of the civil war against Pompey (49-48 BC), presented from Caesar's point of view. A valuable but biased source for understanding the end of the Republic.

Caesar, advised by the astronomer Sosigenes of Alexandria, replaced the Roman lunar calendar with a solar calendar of 365 days with a leap year every four years. This calendar was used in Europe until 1582.

Caesar founded or re-founded numerous colonies (Corinth, Carthage, Arles…) to accommodate his veterans and spread Roman civilization. These foundations lastingly shaped Mediterranean urbanism.

As dictator, Caesar increased the number of senators, reorganized the provinces, reduced debts, and regulated trade. His reforms anticipated the organization of the Roman Empire.

Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres, quarum unam incolunt Belgae, aliam Aquitani, tertiam qui ipsorum lingua Celtae, nostra Galli appellantur.

Caesar, etsi intellegebat magna cum difficultate rem geri, tamen optimum factu iudicavit omnia experiri.

Caesar has arrived near Rome with his army; the Senate trembles. No one knows what this man truly wants, but his power is now unrivalled in the Republic.

He was tall, fair-skinned, well-built, with a somewhat full face and dark, lively eyes. He enjoyed very robust health, except for the sudden fainting spells that afflicted him towards the end of his life.

Caesar, it is said, upon seeing a statue of Alexander the Great at Gades, was seized with deep dejection at the thought that at the age when Alexander had already subjugated so many peoples, he himself had not yet accomplished anything memorable.

The political and religious heart of the Roman Republic, where Caesar delivered his speeches, served as consul, and received his honors. It was also nearby, at the Theatre of Pompey, that he was assassinated.

Site of the decisive siege of 52 BC where Caesar defeated Vercingetorix and the Gallic coalition, completing the conquest of Gaul and securing his military glory.

A small border river between the province of Cisalpine Gaul and Italy. Caesar's crossing of this river with his army in January 49 BC marked the beginning of the civil war.

A great Mediterranean metropolis where Caesar stayed in 48–47 BC and met Cleopatra VII, becoming involved in Egyptian dynastic conflicts.

Site of the decisive battle of 48 BC where Caesar crushed Pompey's forces, establishing himself as the undisputed master of the Roman world.

The oppidum of the Parisii on the Île de la Cité, mentioned in ancient sources. Caesar summoned an assembly of the Gauls there in 53 BC during the Gallic Wars.

Short double-edged sword carried by Roman legionnaires. Caesar used it during his military campaigns and personally oversaw the equipment of his troops.

Official garment of high-ranking Roman magistrates, adorned with a purple stripe. Caesar wore it during official ceremonies, a symbol of his authority.

Common writing tools in ancient Rome. Caesar used them to dictate his letters, draft his Commentaries, and correspond with his legates in the field.

Symbol of military victory in ancient Rome. According to Suetonius, Caesar wore it willingly as it concealed his baldness, about which he was greatly self-conscious.

Throwing weapon characteristic of the Roman legions, with an iron tip designed to bend on impact. Caesar describes its tactical use in The Gallic Wars.

Wooden or bone token on which the daily password was inscribed in Roman camps. Caesar placed great importance on the discipline and security of his legions.

Papyrus or parchment roll on which Caesar wrote his Commentaries. He was among the first to use folded notebooks (codex) for his military correspondence.