Julius Caesar: What Was His Greatest Achievement?

Achievement is a subjective concept. To me, greatness is measured by what one accomplishes with the resources they have. For Julius Caesar, both of the achievements mentioned may seem remarkable, but when it comes down to it, his victory at Pharsalus on August 9, 48 BC took precedence.

Defining Caesar’s Greatness

Julius Caesar, the son of an influential Roman politician, and in today's terms, a multi-billionaire with immense power and resources, could command an entire army that was indoctrinated to be fiercely loyal to him.

However, it was an uneducated, penniless slave, dressed in tattered clothing and capable of creating monumental changes, that rises to the top when discussing Caesar's greatness. His achievements were made not only through wealth and power but also through exceptional leadership and strategy.

The Julian Calendar: A Luxurious Achievement?

Caesar did bring into existence the Julian Calendar, which has persisted until today, as a testament to his brilliance in governance. Nonetheless, while calendar reforms are undoubtedly important, they are merely a method of organizing time. The Julian Calendar was designed to be more accurate than the then-current Roman calendar, the Ancient Roman Calendar, but it still had certain inaccuracies, such as an overestimation of the length of a year by 11 minutes per year.

Pharsalus Victory: The Pinnacle of Caesar's Achievements

Yet, Caesar's military victory over Pompey the Great at the Battle of Pharsalus on August 9, 48 BC, stands as his single greatest accomplishment. In this battle, Caesar, with only 22,000 veteran legionaries and 1,000 cavalry, defeated Pompey's force of 36,000 legionaries and 7,000 cavalry. This victory was a turning point that led to him being declared dictator by the Senate in 49 BC, followed by his declaration of being dictator for life in 44 BC. This victory paved the way for Caesar to consolidate and centralize all power into the hands of one individual.

The victory over Pompey at Pharsalus directly led to the Civil War against Pompey and Caesar's ultimate declaration of dictatorship. His legacy would have been erased if he had lost that particular battle. Caesar's choice of his adopted son and successor Octavian was pivotal, but this could never have become a reality without the victory at Pharsalus.

Caesar’s Military Genius and the Campaigns in Gaul

Caesar's conquest of Gaul from 58-50 BC was undoubtedly a significant achievement. However, it was not on a par with his victory at Pharsalus, given his smaller force's size when compared with the professional Roman army.

Despite the internal divisions among the Gallic tribes, Vercingetorix's efforts to unite them against Roman invasion came too late. Caesar's strategy and military prowess ultimately triumphed. While other achievements, such as his legal and calendar reforms, are immensely valuable, they may not have survived had Caesar lost at Pharsalus.

In the end, the pivotal victory at Pharsalus showcased Caesar's military genius and his ability to overcome vast numerical odds. This battle was more than a mere military victory; it was a defining moment that shaped the course of history, leading to the rise of Octavian and the beginning of the Roman Empire under the reign of Augustus.