The Gallic War (Royal Collector's Edition) (Case Laminate Hardcover with Jacket)

by Julius Caesar, Alexander William McDevitte (Translator)

Overview

The Gallic War, is a firsthand account of Julius Caesar's campaigns in Gaul over an eight-year period. Caesar's narrative not only captures his military tactics but also reflects his political acumen, particularly evident in his expeditions across the Rhine and the English Channel in 55 BC to bolster his reputation back in Rome. Caesar's strategic prowess is demonstrated in the decisive victory at the Battle of Alesia in 52 BC against a united Gallic rebellion led by Vercingetorix.

Caesar's accounts, while showcasing his military genius, also served as propaganda, enhancing his stature in Rome, which ultimately played a crucial role in his rise to power and the eventual transformation from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. The work not only chronicles warfare but also Caesar's diplomatic engagements and the brutal realities of Roman expansionism, providing a critical lens into the events that shaped Western history.

This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian-inspired dust jacket.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781778785009
Publisher:	Royal Classics
Publication date:	05/28/2024
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

Gaius Julius Caesar was a prominent Roman general and statesman born on July 12, 100 BC. His political career reached its zenith when he formed the First Triumvirate with Crassus and Pompey in 60 BC. This alliance allowed him to gain considerable political power, opposed by many in the Senate such as Cato the Younger, with Cicero's private support. Caesar's military prowess was demonstrated during the Gallic Wars, where he expanded Roman territories significantly and undertook ventures such as invading Britain and building a bridge across the Rhine. These successes eventually overshadowed Pompey, who had turned to the Senate for support. In 49 BC, defying the Senate's orders to disband his army, Caesar famously crossed the Rubicon, initiating a civil war against Pompey and his allies, which he won, thus consolidating his power.By 45 BC, Caesar was the uncontested leader of Rome, initiating vast social and governmental reforms including the introduction of the Julian calendar and extending Roman citizenship. He also launched extensive building projects and land reforms to benefit his veterans. In 44 BC, he was declared dictator for life, a decision that led to his assassination on March 15 of the same year by a group of senators including Brutus and Cassius. This event sparked a series of civil wars, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Roman Republic. Caesar's legacy continued through his great-nephew and adopted heir, Octavian (later Augustus), marking the transition from Republic to Empire. Caesar's life and achievements have been extensively documented not only in his own writings but also through works by Cicero, Sallust, Suetonius, and Plutarch, making him a perennial figure in historical and cultural studies.