The Twelve Caesars

“The Deified Julius” is missing the section that would have discussed Julius Caesar’s family and childhood, though the text does mention that Julius Caesar lost his father when he was 16. The narrative truly starts with a description of Caesar embarking on his political and military career. After being elected to the priestly office of Flamen Dialis, Caesar divorced his first wife Cossutia and married Cornelia, whose father Cinna was a former consul of senatorial rank. Cornelia gave birth to a daughter named Julia. Caesar fell into danger and lost his wealth when he sided with the enemies of the dictator Sulla. Although Caesar’s relatives managed to save him and restore his fortune, Sulla allegedly predicted that Caesar would be the downfall of the “aristocratic cause” (Section 1).

Once he was pardoned by Sulla, Caesar served in the army in Asia until he received news of Sulla’s death. He returned to Rome to resume his political career but ran into trouble when he tried to bring legal charges against an ex-consul, Cornelius Dolabella. While waiting for things in Rome to settle down, Caesar left for Rhodes. On the way he was captured by pirates and held captive.