Gaius Julius Caesar (July 12, 100 BC – March 15, 44BC) was a Roman general and politician who was instrumental in the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire in its wake.  He was born into a patrician family near Rome that claimed descent from the legendary Aeneas. His father, governor of the province of Asia, died when Caesar was 16; his aunt Julia was married to the prominent Gaius Marius who waged civil war on Lucius Cornelius Sulla at that time. Caesar was made high priest of Jupiter and then stripped of his position as well as his inheritance when ultimately Sulla prevailed. He joined the army and served with distinction. His political career began with his appointment as military tribune in 69 BC. In 60 BC he formed an alliance with Crassus and Pompey that dominated Roman politics. He embarked upon the Gallic wars, which extended the Roman territory into Britain and Germany but were not sanctioned.  After Crassus’ death in 53 BC Pompey aligned with the Senate, which, fearing Caesar’s popularity and power, ordered him to resign his commission and return to Rome.  Faced with likely criminal charges, Caesar instead crossed the Rubicon, entered Italy under arms, and emerged victorious in the resulting civil war. Once in power he instituted numerous reforms, including the Julian calendar, expanded citizenship, land reform and a centralized bureaucracy. After proclaiming himself “dictator for life” he was famously assassinated by a group of rebellious senators on the Ides of March, 44 BC.  He is considered by many to be one of the greatest military commanders in history.