Julius Caesar in the painting by Lionel Royer.

Julius Caesar, actually Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BC)

Roman military, politician and leader. He was born in the patrician family of Julius on July 12 or 13 (according to some historians) July 100 BCE. From the mid-70s BCE influential representative of the popular party. Member of the college of pontiffs and then high priest, elected by an overwhelming majority of votes. Praetor of 62 BCE, propretor of the Province of Further Spain (61-60 BCE). With the support of the city commoners and the influential politician Pompey the Great marginalized the rulers before the Roman Senate. In 60 B.C. Caesar became part of the so-called first triumvirate, which took real control over the state. He had impressive military successes north of the Alps. He defeated the Helvetians, the Germans, and suppressed the great Gaul uprising led by Vercingetorix. He established Rome's power over the entire area from the Rhine to the Pyrenees. He even went further - to Britain and across the Rhine line to Germanic lands.

In 49 BC Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River, uttering the famous words:"the dice have been cast." Thus, he started a decisive civil war, in which he defeated his former ally Pompey the Great, quickly took control of Italy and forced his opponents, including most members of the Senate, to flee to the East of the country. In 48 BCE he was appointed dictator for an unlimited period, and in AD 44 - for life. Gathering full power in his hands, he led to the liquidation of the Roman republic. Murdered on March 15, 44 BCE. in the aftermath of a conspiracy involving several of his closest associates, including the infamous Brutus.