The Incredible Military Career of Julius Caesar

Most of us recognize the name of Julius Caesar as one of the earliest and greatest rulers of the early Roman Empire. However, historians credit most of his political success to his outstanding military leadership abilities which resulted in his Legions conquering vast territories and subjecting them to Roman rule both before he became the undisputed Emperor and prior to assuming that post—a post that he achieved by successfully leading a Roman civil war in 49 BC.

War historians say that Caesar should be counted in the company of such military geniuses as Napoleon Bonaparte and Alexander the Great but often the details of his military triumphs are overshadowed by the drama of his political reign and eventual assassination.

10 years before seizing control of the government of Rome he was able to conquer all of modern day France, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium. Often overcoming significant disadvantages in numbers and tactical position Caesar relied not only his cunning and the discipline that he had drilled into his Legions for his victories but also on his well deserved reputation for brutal treatment of conquered territories and captured peoples. For example in 52 BC he defeated the city of Avaricum and proceeded to order his troops to murder all 40,000 of the surviving inhabitants.

While such vicious acts struck terror in the hearts of Rome’s enemies and made later conquests simpler, most of the credit for his military success can probably be given to the exceptional loyalty shown him by his Legions. In an age when 20 miles of troop movement in a day was considered almost unattainable, his armies would sometimes cover twice that distance, drawing their stamina from their respect for Caesar.