Based from the documentary Ancients Behaving Badly, even though Julius Caesar was a bad ass. I strongly agree that Julius Caesar's vices was necessary in order to maintain Rome's superiority in the ancient civilization. There are several justification and evidences that might support my reason.
First of all, he avoided the dividend of power among the Roman Senators, Roman Senators during his time whom are filled with the greed for power and conspiracy among themselves. The rise of Caesar really marks a decline in the power and influence of
the rich Senatorial Classes in Roman Politics. The Senate becomes little
more than a rubber stamp for Caesar and his successors. We can see a
shift of power away from the patrician classes towards Caesar's
supporters as the military, the businesmen, and the lower classes. By doing his immoral acts by sleeping with high politicians wives he was able to control the senators and thus avoided the usurpation among the Roman Politician. Thus making them to focus only on Caesar as the main figure in their mind.
In the battle of Alesia, the reason why Caesar allowed thousands of women and children to starve to death is because in previous conquest the war between the Gallic and Roman army were merely divide and conquer. The land surrounding has no food to be supplied to both Caesar's army and Vercingetorix's men. Even if Caeser let the Gallic women and children go there is a large possibility they will not survive. Moreover, some of Caesar's lieutenants began to despair as they advised Caesar to
try to fight his way back to safety, to preserve what he could from the ruin and abandon Gaul. Caesar refused and said 'It would have been shameful and humiliating'
and therefore unthinkable. Whatever his own doubt and weariness, his outward
show of confidence remained as sovereign as ever. In Caesar's energy there was
something demonic and sublime. Touched by boldness, perseverance and a yearning
to be the best, it was the spirit of the Republic at its most inspiring and
lethal.
In the end when Caesar won the battle, the Gallic people who survived even though were enslaved, even so they were given shelter and food by the Romans. Furthermore, the Gallic tribes of Edua and Arverna (about 20,000 soldiers), were released
and pardoned as she forms to assure the alliance between these important
tribes and Rome. The chopping of hands by the Romans to the Gallic people is a strategy to bring fear in the hearts and minds towards those who oppose the Roman civilization. Thus improving Rome's superiority in the ancient world.
On the other hand, Caesar's military successes brought Roman massive economic benefits. Increased Roman expansion opened up trade routes to Roman merchants and
small businesses and slaves brought in from Roman conquests resulted in an increasing use of
slaves for jobs that ordinary Romans would do such as farming therefore leaving
more Romans to be accessible for longer periods of military service. He also gave an acceleration to the "Roma Colonies" system. He systematically
created colonies for his former soldiers in provinces, spreading
humanization for the Roman Empire.
In conclusion, even though Julius Caesar was a ruthless and a immoral leader, his vices changed Rome literally making Rome a powerful empire during his time.
Sources
http://angryharry.com/es_battle_for_Alesia.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Caesar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Alesia
Good justification but cruel and harsh government cannot be accepted.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Matiin ; Lia, during Caesar time there is no diplomatic system or education to teach them how to become a great leader and becoming a respectful person. The only way is by showing your power, even by becoming tyrant. However Caesar had managed a great development in Rome.
ReplyDeleteGood point and explanation. But...I disagree with you. Caesar's vice is unnecessary to applied because it show very cruel action. Can you imagine if our country also applied like what Caesar have done. It is unfair, right? Caesar as cruel as Hitler....
ReplyDeletewhy choose cruel judgement. you wants that method use in our country.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Matiin. because in that century Caesar has not being exposed with how to be a good leader
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