Julius Caesar the general - Ides of March Special

Julius Caesar was murdered on 15th March - the Ides of March for the Romans - in 44 BC. He is famous as a politican, as the man who gave his name to the line of emperors, for his affair with the equally famous Cleopatra - and because the month of July was named after him.

He was also a general - one of the Great Captains of history admired by the likes of Frederick the Great and Napoleon. This talk is about Caesar the general. It looks at the military side of his career. More than anything else it is about how Caesar planned and led his campaigns, and how he controlled and inspired his army in battle. I look at his style of command and ask whether it was unique to him or similar in style to other Roman generals.

[joshkelso]

I’ve just found your channel after reading your books and hearing so many podcasters say your name and I’m so glad I have, I really hope your channel blows up because without you many others wouldn’t have content to make.

[Dionaea_floridensis]

We're so lucky to have a scholar like you produce content !!

[bkohatl]

What impresses me most about Caesar is ability to learn from his mistakes and seeing new tactics like Labienus mixing cavalry and light troops at Ruspina and immediately implementing this tactic among his troops. Thapsus was as great a victory as Alesia, always confronted by superior numbers, he out-thought his opponents and was willing to go to the front lines and join his troops.

[steve]

You are my favorite ancient historian. Your knowledge, enthusiasm and energy is contagious. Thank you so much for making these podcasts available! It's too bad that Caesar and Pompey became enemies. Imagine an army trained, supplied, and organized by Pompey while Caesar conducted the battles - unbeatable.

[rky_M]

57:24 Adrian has stated in the past that successful Roman armies
typically suffered low casualties, yet Caesars Legions being at
50% strength or less by civil war time has me wondering if his
Legions were somewhat understrength when first levied, or that
Caesar legions were close to full strength when first levied but he
didn't much replenish individual legion strength following typical
attrition after all the Gaul/Britain campaigns ..or that Caesar
caused and accepted an unusually high attrition due to his style
of command/style of campaigning...Perhaps Adrian can shed some light on this.

[olppa]

Feels so good to find a new serious ancient history guy here on YouTube! Everyone has a slightly different point of view, which is very refreshing.

[WagesOfDestruction]

Thank you. Although I have read and heard much about Caesar, you consistently provide insights that I had never previously heard or considered.

[chungusdisciple]

Thank you Dr. Goldsworthy! These videos are invaluable.

[Catonius]

I'm all settled in on favourable ground with a secure supply of corn to re-watch this excellent presentation.

[spencerdawson]

Thank you sir, we appreciate you and your expertise

[davidlavigne]

Disappointed in that I waited 7 months to listen to this lecture. Julius Caesar had such a huge influence on military leaders throughout history. So many Generals tried to emulate him in the centuries that followed. Napoleon, Rommel, Patton to name just a few. He must have been remarkable for how else is he still such a studied figure.

[nickbeat]

I appreciate your measured and objective coverage of these details, considering how much primary sources are scanty.

[samuelberg]

Thank you for all these videos - thoroughly enjoy every single one.

[markmm]

Caesar was a lucky general but as Sir Alex Ferguson used to say about Man Utd; the better we get the luckier we seem to be!

[bkohatl]

I will add one further comment, I am in awe of Alexander the Great, especially when I learned the Cassender murdered Roxanne and Alexander IV, his 14-year-old son. The evil and corrupt were always one step away from power in Macedon. The two great Macedonian Kings were Alexander the Great and Philip II. It bothers me that Philip II has never gotten credit he deserves. I believe, without Philip II there would be no Alexander the Great. That is my opinion. He should be called Philip the Great.

[king_cobra]

Music sounds like a US western movie. Interesting. Thank you Prof. G.

[craignedoff]

In the name of Rome, one of my favorite books, thank you 🙏

[markmm]

What was Caesar doing during the Spartacus rebellion. Do we know?

[saxonman]

Just like to say I thoroughly enjoy your stuff. So I will. Keep up the good work! Might even read some of your books. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Would be good if it was Roman army based, Middle class young man making his way as a career officer. Not too much romance - just enough. I've got this amazon voucher burning a hole in me pocket!

[davidsigler]

Reading your "Caesar" very good.