Synopsis

This book is derived from the incomplete Book 8 of the Commentaries, by Aulus Hirtius. It has taken me longer than expected to unravel the story because of its complexity. Dedicated historians barely agree on the order of the political events leading to Caesar's march on Rome.

History is written and revised by the victors. Down through the two millennia since Caesar crossed the Rubicon those victors have been men who believed that revolution had to be anathematised. The death of the Republic, the outcome of Caesar's successful revolt against the Optimates, could not be represented as the dawn of the new era of ethical government that Caesar intended. Caesar's heir, Augustus and the Principate that cynical mimicry of the Republican Senate the model form which European ideas of kingship developed, had to be seen as the true saviours of Rome. As a result, Julius Caesar has been portrayed ever since as a sick (allegedly an epileptic), power-crazed tyrant.

This is the last element of the story of Julius Caesar's preparation for his return to power. He had wanted that to be via the ballot box and a legitimate second Consulship. Fearful for their future fortunes, the Optimates were determined that would not happen.

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