The Face of Caesar: History & Facial Reconstructions of a Young Julius Caesar | Part 1 | Royalty Now

0:00 A Word from our Sponsor
1:19 Early Life & Exile
7:44 Return to Rome & Life in his 20s
11:02 Captured by Pirates
12:49 Rise to Power
21:03 What did Caesar Look Like
23:03 Facial Reconstructions Revealed

The Rise of Julius Caesar - Part 1

Hello everyone and welcome back to Royalty Now, where we bring you face to face with figures from the past, and talk about their history.

Julius Caesar is a legendary name that has been both idolized and hated throughout the centuries. But who was he really? A tyrant? A savior? Or just a man?

His story is one of intense drama, endless ambition, utter brilliance, and brutal betrayal.

Today, we’ll talk about the life of a young Julius Caesar, and then reveal what he may have looked like in the prime of his life.
Gaius Julius Caesar, born on July 12th, 100 BCE, was raised primarily by his mother, Aurelia. Although his family had fallen from grace, young Caesar was told he was destined for greatness. By the time he was born, Rome's Republic was corrupt and ruled by a few powerful senators. He was raised during the time of a tumultuous civil war.
In 84 BCE, Caesar's father died suddenly, making Caesar the head of his household. This allowed him to join the army, where he quickly distinguished himself, earning the Civic Crown for bravery.
Returning to Rome in 78 BCE, Caesar became an advocate and impressed with his oratory skills. He went to Rhodes to study under the famous orator Apollonious Mollo but was captured by pirates. Caesar charmed and mocked them, eventually securing his release by insisting on a higher ransom. After being freed, he hunted down and executed the pirates.
Back in Rome, Caesar joined the College of Pontiffs, meeting influential figures like Crassus and Pompey. He gained popularity through public games, despite incurring massive debts. In 63 BCE, he was elected Pontifex Maximus, a prestigious religious position. Caesar continued to climb the political ladder, eventually allying with Crassus and Pompey to secure his election as Consul in 59 BCE. This alliance allowed him to pass reforms benefiting the common people, furthering his power and ambition.
Despite his early struggles and near-executions, Caesar's ambition, intelligence, and charisma propelled him to become one of Rome's most powerful figures. Yet, his journey was just beginning, with his confidence growing into arrogance and his ambition turning into greed as he sought unparalleled power.

Physical Appearance of Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar's appearance has been a subject of fascination for centuries. Roman artistic tradition focused on realism, creating lifelike portraits. The Tusculum bust, discovered in the 1800s, shows a handsome man with strong cheekbones, a wrinkled neck, thinning hair, and a distinctive head shape. This aligns with descriptions by Suetonius, who portrayed Caesar as tall, with fair skin, slender limbs, a full face, piercing dark eyes, and a penchant for distinctive dress.
Other busts, like the Pantelleria and Arles, may better represent a younger Caesar, showing refined artistry and similar features like a strong chin and cheek dimples. By combining these images, a composite portrait of a young Caesar reveals his striking looks and charismatic presence, contributing to his legendary status in Roman history.

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[RoyaltyNowStudios]

Thank you for watching! Do you think Julius Caesar was a tyrant, or did he have good intentions? Other videos you may enjoy:

[PokhrajRoy.]

“In an insane, almost idiotic show of boldness.”

I have never felt more seen 😂

[ruralsquirrel]

He definitely would pass for a man from the northern Italy/France border region today.

[practicaldreamyr]

I've never clicked on a new video quicker! Love love love all your work, your reconstructions are always amazing and to see them "smiling" always brings a tear to my eye 💕

[mrsnulch]

Caesar has such a distinctly Italian look to him, and I love the way you depict him as always! I'm certain it feels like I'm looking at Julius Caesar, and doubt you got anything wrong!

[KurlyKy]

Impeccable, as always! You’ve done Cleopatra, Julius Caesar…all we need is Marc Anthony to complete the Troubled Triad. 😬 Such an admirer of your work. Thanks for sharing your talent with us! 🙂

[Knards]

Superb history lesson. I had no idea his life was like that. Caesar was indeed a handsome man

[yagurl_]

He looks like my dad when he was young and it’s freaking me out

[ljp]

so in other words julius caesar looked like gigachad. chiselled jawline, locked in 24/7

[robertr]

This brief history of Julius Caesar leaves out a great deal, especially his brilliant military campaigns in what is now Spain and France. He is one of the most astonishing men that Rome ever produced, as well as his nephew, Augustus.

[thDecember]

Fascinating episode. Nothing changes. That which benefits the people, angers the elite.
Edit to add: I appreciate the cosmetic accuracy of showing his teeth as slightly yellowed at 23:46, whereas in the modern version at 24:44 he has whiter teeth, as one would expect.

[skinnymanatee]

I started watching your videos yesterday and they are absolutely fantastic. As a history major I often find that historical figures are not talked about like they were humans too, people that laughed, cried, and loved just like us. Your videos are the best example I have ever found in regards to humanizing these historical figures. You don't just talk about their achievements you go in depth with how they lived their lives. Please keep up the get work!

[kigekica]

What's amazing to me, is when you make them smile... I don't think any of us think of them as humans like any other, with their own dreams and hopes. Of course, we know they were like any of us, but I don't think we ever imagine them smiling and laughing, being carefree and looking forward to the future, as any other young human being. That's what struck me the most when you did Anne Boleyn, and thank you for these incredible reconstructions ❤

[mollyjayhedgehog]

Thank you for making history much more enjoyable to watch and simple to understand the way you bring them to life is absolutely gorgeous and amazing keep up the wonderful work lots of love from Australia

[erniegutierrez]

Wow! He is truly stunning! Add to that his boldness & charisma. His early career shows his political genius. As someone who thinks about Roman Empire everyday, I must say this is an excellent video!!! :)
Fun Fact: We use the solar calendar, instead of a lunar one, thanks to Caesar. "Like"

[matildaborney]

I’ve always wanted to suggest a recreation of Augustus daughter Julia! I’d love to hear her story from you 💕

[fredo]

Modern Caesar does look like an Italian politician.

[kstormgeistgem]

his facial bone structure reminds me of that of Abraham Lincoln's. that same formation of incredibly high strong cheek bones with the deep, piercing eye sockets. very handsome but kind of startling at the same time.
nicely done as usual.

[ArmenianBishop]

Not every time, but I got a gut feeling that this facial reconstruction of Julius is very accurate. Sometimes, gut feelings are right.

[PokhrajRoy.]

Oh today we eat well! Watching my back every few minutes while watching this.