Caesar

Caesar is a name that originates from the Julian clan of ancient Rome and later became a title used by Roman emperors. The most famous bearer is Gaius Julius Caesar (100–44 BCE), a leading Roman general, statesman, and central figure in the events that ended the Roman Republic and helped bring about the Roman Empire.

Caesar aligned with the populares and formed the First Triumvirate in 60 BCE, a political alliance with Pompey the Great and Marcus Licinius Crassus. He served as consul in 59 BCE and then commanded Roman forces in the Gallic Wars, expanding Roman territory and building military power.

In 49 BCE, after crossing the Rubicon with his legion, Caesar precipitated a civil war against the Senate and Pompey. He defeated Pompey and was appointed dictator. He pursued reforms and centralized power; in 44 BCE he was named dictator perpetuo (dictator for life) before being assassinated by a group of senators on March 15, 44 BCE.

His death precipitated further civil wars, culminating in the rise of his adopted heir, Octavian (Augustus), and the establishment of the Roman Empire. Caesar's legacy includes the Julian calendar, established reforms in governance, and enduring influence on literature and political rhetoric; the name Caesar became a title used by later emperors and the term has entered many languages as a synonym for an emperor or ruler.

The name Caesar has other associations, including the Caesar cipher in cryptography, a simple shift cipher named after his supposed use in ancient Rome; Caesar also appears in cultural works and as a surname in modern times.