Ciao and welcome to ARoadRetraveled! Having published a few blogs about Julius Caesar and the Ides of March has inspired me to create more content about this fascinating figure. In Ancient Roman history, few events pack the punch of Julius Caesar’s legendary crossing of the Rubicon River. I mean, “Crossing the Rubicon” has become more than just a historical event – it’s practically a catchphrase for hitting that point of no return. So, what’s the big deal about crossing the Rubicon?
Now, I get it, digging deep into this stuff usually means wading through historical tomes or scholarly articles, but fear not! This blog post will cover the highlights of why Caesar’s move was such a big deal, who was involved and why, how it shook up the Roman Republic and all the crazy chaos that followed his crossing the Rubicon.
So, grab your virtual toga, folks, and let’s time-travel back to witness Caesar’s game-changing decision to cross the Rubicon. Oh, and stick around till the end – I’ve got a historical fiction series about Julius Caesar that’ll make you feel like you’re right there in the thick of it.
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Who was Julius Caesar?
Understanding the significance of Julius Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon requires a closer look at the man behind the legend. Born in 100 BC into a patrician family that leaned towards plebeian politics, Caesar’s name carries a lot of weight. “Gaius” was his personal name, while “Julius” indicated his clan, the prestigious gens Julia. And then there’s “Caesar“, his nickname, though its exact origin is a bit fuzzy – some say it meant “hairy” or “thick-haired.”
But enough about names. Let’s talk about the man himself. From a young age, Caesar showed a rare mix of smarts, charm, and ambition that set him apart. His early years were a whirlwind of politics and military service, during which he climbed the ranks of Roman society faster than you can say “Senatus Populusque Romanus.” Caesar’s military adventures in Spain and Gaul only added to his rep as a top-notch general and cunning strategist.
By the mid-1st century BC, Caesar was a force to be reckoned with in Rome. His alliance with Pompey and Crassus dubbed the First Triumvirate, gave him the political clout and military muscle needed to navigate the cutthroat world of Roman politics. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing – Caesar had plenty of enemies in the Senate who saw him as a threat to the status quo. Despite their best efforts, though, Caesar kept his eyes on the prize.
Now, let’s shift gears and talk about Pompey, another key player in the Rubicon saga, and what went down after Caesar made his move.
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Who was Pompey and why was he Caesar’s Enemy?
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In the vast Roman history, few figures loom as large as Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, better known as Pompey the Great. Born into a prestigious Roman family in 106 BC, Pompey rose to prominence through a combination of military prowess, political maneuvering, and strategic alliances.
It’s fair to mention that Pompey’s military career was nothing short of illustrious. He made a name for himself as a young general during the Social War (91–88 BC), where he showcased sharp tactical skills and unyielding courage on the battlefield. Yet, it was his campaigns in the East that truly solidified his reputation as one of Rome’s greatest commanders.
Undeniably, Pompey’s military feats were matched only by his political aspirations. Pompey deftly maneuvered through the political landscape of Rome, forming alliances with heavyweights like Julius Caesar and Marcus Licinius Crassus. As I mentioned above, they set up the First Triumvirate to consolidate their power within the Roman Republic. One might even say, to keep each other in check.
It’s worth noting that Pompey was also Caesar’s son-in-law for some time, having been married to Caesar’s daughter Julia. Their alliance played a pivotal role in shaping Rome’s destiny, with Pompey reigning supreme in the West and Caesar in the East. But like all good things, this partnership came with its tensions.
After Julia’s untimely death during childbirth in 54 BC, the familial bond between Caesar and Pompey dissolved. Of course, the fragile Triumvirate collapsed. Their rivalry intensified as they jockeyed for control of the Roman Republic, reaching a fever pitch when Caesar made his audacious move across the Rubicon, sparking a civil war.
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Where is the Rubicon River?
Ok, so back to the Rubicon. To understand the significance of Caesar’s crossing, one must first grasp the geographical and political context of the Rubicon River.
In ancient times, the Rubicon River marked the boundary between the Roman province of Cisalpine Gaul and the Roman heartland of Italy. Cisalpine Gaul was a region in northern Italy that had been conquered by Rome and incorporated into the Roman Republic. The Rubicon served as a symbolic and strategic demarcation line. This separated the territory where Roman governors held command with their legions from the territory directly under the control of the Senate and traditional Roman authorities.
Today, the Rubicon River still exists in northeastern Italy, flowing through the modern-day regions of Emilia-Romagna and Marche. It originates in the Apennine Mountains, near the town of Bagno di Romagna. The river them flows approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) before emptying into the Adriatic Sea near the town of Savignano sul Rubicone.
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Why did Caesar Cross the Rubicon?
In 49 BC, Julius Caesar was backed into a corner. Three years after Caesar’s command in Gaul was winding down, tensions in Rome were reaching a breaking point. Caesar was reluctant to give up his army and return to Rome as a private citizen, despite pressure from the Senate. He insisted on running for consul while keeping his military command and receiving a triumph in Rome for his conquests.
Apparently, many senators, including Pompey, viewed Caesar’s actions as those of an emerging autocrat. They were uncomfortable with his growing power and the loyalty of his army. Meanwhile, Caesar felt constrained by the Senate’s reluctance to accept his consul candidacy, even if he complied with their demands.
Things came to a head when the Senate issued a decree, the Senatus Consultum Ultimum, essentially branding Caesar an enemy of the state. With his tribunes of the plebs, who had previously supported him, now gone, Caesar knew he had to act.
So, what did he do? On January 7, 49 BCE, Caesar said “screw it” and crossed the Rubicon with his loyal troops. It was a bold move that changed everything.
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Why Crossing the Rubicon was the Point of No Return
Back in ancient Rome, there was a certain law called the “Lex Julia“. This law stated that no Roman general could march his army across the Rubicon and into Italy. It was meant to keep the peace in Rome and make sure the Senate stayed in charge.
But Julius Caesar led his loyal troops across the Rubicon anyway, famously declaring, “The die is cast” (“Alea iacta est“). With that gutsy move, Caesar basically flipped the bird to the Senate and kicked off a full-blown war against the Roman Republic.
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Civil War between Caesar and Pompey
As we learned, the civil war ignited by Caesar’s crossing of the Rubicon was a culmination of years of political tension and power struggles within the Roman Republic.
Here’s a closer look at the key events that followed Caesar’s crossing the Rubicon.
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Caesar’s March on the way to Rome
As Caesar’s legions marched down from the north, they didn’t encounter much resistance from local forces or any leftover Pompey loyalists. Caesar smartly grabbed hold of key strategic spots and set up defenses to keep his supply lines and communication solid. As he crossed into Italy, he seized the city of Arminium (modern Rimini) with a small but significant army.
A bunch of cities and towns in their path decided to throw in the towel without a fight. Others rolled out the red carpet for Caesar, seeing him as a savior bringing peace and stability back to Rome. Caesar even offered mercy to those who surrendered peacefully and came down hard on those who resisted.
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Pompey Strategic Retreat from Rome
Upon getting wind of Caesar’s sudden march towards Rome, Pompey and several senators and supporters found themselves unprepared. The only thing they could do in their situation was to fee Rome entirely. This marked the beginning of the Roman Civil War, although attempts at peace negotiations continued amid the escalating conflict.
By hightailing it out of Rome, Pompey aimed to regroup his forces and drum up support from his allies. He set his sights on the eastern provinces of the Roman Republic, especially Greece. It seemed like the perfect spot to gather reinforcements and set up camp to fend off Caesar’s push. Greece had close ties to key military and political allies, plus historical clout as a powerhouse in the ancient world.
In Greece, Pompey went full throttle, rallying support from every corner. He courted the Senate and Roman elite using his reputation as a top general and politician to rally troops to him.
He didn’t just stop at rallying troops, though. Pompey went all out, building up a beefy army made up of Roman legions, allied soldiers, and even hired mercenaries. Plus, he made sure to beef up his naval forces to control the seas. And let’s not forget about the defensive fortifications – Pompey wasn’t taking any chances holding off Caesar’s impending attack.
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Caesar re-established the Senate in Rome
Upon entering Rome with Pompey gone, Caesar took steps to restore order and stability to the city. He re-established the Senate, the traditional governing body of Rome, and filled it with sympathetic senators who supported his cause. Of course, some senators may have been coerced or intimidated into supporting Caesar. However, others likely saw him as the best hope for restoring peace and prosperity to Rome.
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Military Campaigns Between Caesar and Pompey
Once Caesar solidified his grip on power in Rome, it was game on between him and Pompey. Their forces clashed all over the Mediterranean, from Spain to Greece, in a series of epic showdowns. One of the biggies was the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC, but we’ll get to that in a bit.
Now, both Caesar and Pompey were seasoned generals, and they pulled out all the stops to get the edge. Caesar made bold moves and thought outside the box, which was his typical approach. Meanwhile, Pompey leaned on his deep pockets and a wide network of friends to hold his position.
For the blow-by-blow of these military escapades, check out books based on Caesar’s military journals. They’re packed with juicy details of the battles and all the drama that went down.
But here’s the thing – this civil war wasn’t just about who had the strongest army. It was a full-on battle of wits and political power plays. Caesar was a master at spinning the narrative in his favor at every opportunity. He showed off his battle trophies back in Rome and painted himself as the people’s champ fighting against a corrupt Senate. At the same time, Pompey was working the back channels, trying to drum up support from his connections overseas.
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The Defining Battle of Pharsalus
And it so happened that everything came to a head in 48 BC at the Battle of Pharsalus in Greece. Despite his formidable reputation, Pompey found himself outmaneuvered by Caesar’s superior military tactics and unwavering resolve. Pompey got handed a major defeat by Caesar
After his loss, Pompey fled to Egypt, thinking he could drum up some support from Ptolemy XIII. Unfortunately, things took a nasty turn when he met his untimely end at the hands of treacherous allies. He was killed and his severed head was gifted to Caesar. Talk about a plot twist. Pompey’s demise was a game-changer in the Civil War. Even with him gone, Caesar still had to deal with some Pompey supporters who were preparing to continue the fight. Caesar simply mopped up that mess once and for all.
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Caesar’s Triumph and the Aftermath
With Pompey vanquished and his rivals scattered, Caesar emerged as the undisputed master of Rome. He returned to the city amidst great fanfare and celebration.
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Caesar’s Triumphal Procession and Popular Acclaim
In a spectacle befitting his monumental achievements, Caesar celebrated his victory with a grand triumphal procession through the streets of Rome. And Caesar didn’t hold back – he flaunted all the spoils of war, from captured enemy leaders to exotic treasures from far-off lands. His chariot decked out in laurel wreaths and victory symbols, was a giant sign proclaiming his rise to the top.
You can’t blame the common people of Rome for embracing Caesar as a champion of their rights and aspirations. They were weary of the political intrigues and civil strife that had plagued the Republic. His populist policies, including land reforms and public works projects aimed at alleviating poverty and unemployment, made him a hero. He was the people’s champ, no doubt about it.
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Caesar Appointment as Dictator for life
Surprisingly, in recognition of his unparalleled achievements, Caesar was appointed dictator of Rome, a position of extraordinary authority and power. This was also a position that earned him more enemies down the road.
What did being a “dictator” in Ancient Rome mean?
I should mention that in ancient Rome, the title of “dictator” held a vastly different meaning compared to its modern connotations. The Roman dictatorship was not a permanent or hereditary position. It was intended as a temporary appointment granted by the Senate in response to crises or threats to the state. Imagine if Rome was facing riots or an invasion, the Senate could appoint someone as dictator to sort things out.
As dictator, Caesar wielded absolute authority over the affairs of state, effectively superseding the traditional checks and balances of the Roman Republic. He had the power to issue decrees (known as “dicta“), make laws, appoint officials, and command the military. With this power, he did not need approval from other governing bodies, such as the Senate or the assemblies.
So yeah, when Caesar got handed the keys to the dictatorship, he basically had the run of the place. And boy, did he make the most of it.
Caesar tackled issues like deb and revamped the calendar (hello, Julius calendar!). He made the government run smoother than ever. Plus, he initiated building projects, sprucing up Rome’s infrastructure, and putting up monuments to brag about his victories. Talk about making the most of your time in charge!
Caesar’s “Dictator for Life” was unprecedented
Of course, Caesar’s appointment as dictator for life marked a significant departure from established norms and traditions within the Roman Republic. Indeed, his appointment as dictator perpetuo (dictator for life), raised concerns among those who valued the principles of the Roman Republic. The separation of powers and the checks and balances were inherent in the Republic. Not surprisingly, Caesar was viewed by his detractors as moving towards establishing a monarchy and becoming a king-like figure.
By consolidating power in his own hands and sidelining the traditional institutions of governance, Caesar effectively transformed the Republic into a de facto autocracy. This laid the groundwork for the eventual transition to imperial rule under his adopted heir, Octavian (later known as Augustus).
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Caesar’s New Enemies
So, Caesar’s consolidation of power and his growing cult of personality fueled resentment among his political adversaries (mostly the senators). Ultimately this led to his assassination on the infamous Ides of March.
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Caesar’s Assassination on The Ides of March
We all know what happened on the fateful Ides of March, March 15, 44 BC. Caesar was assassinated in the Senate chamber on the steps of the Theater of Pompey (ironically!). A band of about 60 conspirators led by Brutus and Cassius, plunged their knives into Caesar, proud of committing “tyrannicide”. In their view, they were ridding Rome of a tyrant and saving the Republic. But here’s the kicker – it didn’t quite work out like they planned.
Sure, Caesar was out of the picture, but instead of restoring the good ol’ republic, his assassination just tossed Rome into even more chaos. It was like poking a hornet’s nest with a stick.
To top it all off, it created a whole new power struggle among Caesar’s cronies. This laid the groundwork for the eventual transition to imperial rule under his adopted heir, Octavian (later known as Augustus).
And just like that, Rome was never the same again.
Legacy of Crossing the Rubicon
When Caesar made that bold move by crossing the Rubicon, it wasn’t just a stroll across a river – it was a game-changer for Rome. Not surprisingly, it spelled the end of the Republic’s traditional system of governance and ushered in an era of autocracy and imperial rule. The catchy phrase “crossing the Rubicon” entered the lexicon as a potent symbol of irreversible decision-making, serving as a cautionary tale for leaders throughout the ages.
In the end, Caesar’s crossing the Rubicon wasn’t just a blip on the historical radar – it was a seismic shift that reverberated for centuries to come. His legacy lives on as a testament to the power of taking action, even in the face of uncertainty and adversity. So here’s to Caesar – the man who dared to cross the Rubicon and change the world forever.
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Learn more about the life of Julius Caesar until the Ides of March
If you love history but hate the dry historical lectures, get your hands on the MARIUS MULES book series by Simon Turney His thrilling page-turner historical fiction books bring the life and military campaigns from Gaul up until Caesar’s demise. Simon Turney follows the history from 58 BC to 44 BC documenting historical events while following the protagonist legate Marcus Falerius Fronto in Caesar’s army. I’ve read ALL the books and the author truly made learning history FUN and I’ve finally understood all the famous events and quotes as they occurred such as crossing the Rubicon and “Veni, vidi, vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered“).