Caesar, Caius Julius. The greatest of Roman generals. Born in 100 B.C. Julius Caesar was elected consul 60 B.C. Formed a secret alliance with Pompey and Crassus, known as the first triumvirate. Beginning the Gallic War in 58 B.C., he subdued in one campaign both the Helvetii and the Germans under Ariovistus. Pompey having become his enemy through jealousy, Caesar crossed the Rubicon in 49 B.C., and in a short time became master of Italy. Having conquered all his enemies and subduing Spain and Africa, he was made dictator for life, and received from the senate the title of Imperator. Although beloved by the masses, the patricians feared and hated him, and a conspiracy by Cassius, Brutus, and others resulted in his assassination in 44 B.C.

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