In order to properly evaluate Caesar as a 'Great Man', we must first establish the criteria by which he is to be judged, the criteria of the 'Great Man' Theory. According to Russell Hooks, author of an essay on the Great Man Theory, a 'Great Man' is an event-making man. A person who, through conscious will and extraordinary shows of leadership skills and intelligence, influences th

During Caesar's famous military career, Caesar showed incredible determination and ingenuity when facing any opponent. He won battles under impossible odds, and shocked and delighted Romans with his victories wherever he went. When others doubted him, he proved them wrong. Doubt would oftentimes even encourage him, and he scoffed at those who fought against him. He was by no means an ordinary military leader. Of particular note was the combination of his bravery, his ingenuity, and perhaps most important, his determination. Some may call it stupidity or ignorance, yet Caesar's unwillingness to lose would win him many famous and prestigious battles. His battles in Gaul and in Britain brought substantial glory to his name, and gained considerable land for the Roman Empire which he would soon rule. For nine years he fought campaigns in all of Britain, and after nine long years he had brought all of Britain into the Roman province. There were more frequent and longer celebrations in Rome for his victories than for any former general. Caesar was not only ingenious in his victories of these campaigns, but he also saw their significance elsewhere. They added immense sums to his already substantial wealth, in the form of annual revenues from annexed lands. They also increased his fame and popularity, and he was revered almost as a god.

Through these conscious decisions, Caesar was slowly plotting the overthrow of the Republic, and saw these small victories as the foundation of his future greatness3. As his career advanced, Caesar passed through many increasingly important positions of power in the government, such as second orator, and Praetor of Rome (the chief civil magistrate). In Cadiz, a city in Spain, Caesar encountered a statue of Alexander at the Great in the temple of Hercules. He reportedly sighed heavily, disappointed in his lack of power at the same age at which Alexander had nearly conquered the known world. However, Caesar knew that patience and caution were necessary. Slowly but surely, he gained increasing favour with the people, and increasing fame for his quick wit and ambitious actions. He took every opportunity to speak in public, and to impress the populace with his eloquence. He bribed his way to positions where even his intelligence and reputation would not get him. It should be evident that Julius Caesar was no ordinary man, and his political prowess was unmatched. The events revolving around the political sphere of Rome during this time were unmistakably directed by Caesar's cunning practices. Soon after, Caesar reached the height of his pop

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Approximate Word count = 1738
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)