Simply Caesar

Julius Caesar (100–44 BCE) rose from a relatively modest patrician background to become one of the most powerful figures in Roman history. His military genius, particularly in his conquest of Gaul, expanded the Roman Empire to unprecedented levels, while his political acumen allowed him to navigate the intricacies of Roman politics and eventually declare himself dictator. However, his centralization of power and disregard for Roman traditions led to tensions with his peers and, ultimately, his assassination. Caesar’s legacy endures in the founding of the Roman Empire, the reformation of Roman governance, and the influence he continues to exert on global political thought.

In Simply Caesar, authors J. David Markham and Matthew Zarzeczny break down the complexities of Caesar’s rise to power, his governance, and his legacy in clear and accessible terms. They explore the key events of his life, from his early military campaigns to his final days in Rome, shedding light on the man behind the political figure. By examining Caesar’s military strategy, political innovations, and the dynamics of Roman society, the authors provide a nuanced understanding of how Caesar shaped history and why his life continues to be studied and debated today.

For those new to the study of ancient Rome or Caesar's history, Simply Caesar offers a comprehensive yet approachable introduction to one of the most pivotal figures in history. For those already familiar with the basics, this book provides deeper insights into the man’s character, his vision for Rome, and the lasting impact of his life and actions.

About the authors

J. David Markham is an internationally recognized scholar and writer and the president of the International Napoleonic Society. He has written, edited and/or contributed to ten books on Napoleon, including Napoleon for Dummies and The Road to St Helena: Napoleon after Waterloo. He has appeared in television documentaries, lectured at conferences and museums around the world, and co-created with Cameron Reilly, the popular “Napoleon 101” podcast. In 2014, he was appointed a Knight in the Order of the French Academic Palms, France’s highest civilian-only award. He has also been awarded the INS Legion of Merit and the Napoleonic Historical Society Colonel John H. Etling Scholar Award, the highest academic recognition for the two groups.

A Fellow of the International Napoleonic Society and an adjunct instructor at Ashland University and Kent State University at Stark, in addition to John Carroll University, Matthew D. Zarzeczny has written widely on Napoleon Bonaparte. He is the author of Meteors That Enlighten the Earth: Napoleon and the Cult of Great Men and the founder of the popular website www.historyandheadlines.com.