Julius Caesar, one of history’s most famous figures, is often remembered for his military conquests and political reforms. However, there are several lesser-known aspects of his life that are equally fascinating. Here are three surprising facts about Julius Caesar.
He Was Once Captured By Pirates
In 75 BCE, while traveling across the Aegean Sea, Julius Caesar was captured by Cilician pirates. At the time, he was a relatively unknown figure, but his demeanor during captivity was anything but ordinary. Caesar maintained a confident and commanding presence, even joking with his captors and promising to return and crucify them once he was freed. True to his word, after his release, Caesar raised a naval force, captured the pirates, and had them executed.
Caesar’s Calendar Reform
Julius Caesar played a significant role in reforming the Roman calendar. In 46 BCE, he introduced the Julian calendar, which corrected the inaccuracies of the previous lunar calendar. This new system, based on the solar year, included a leap year every four years and was remarkably accurate for its time. The Julian calendar laid the foundation for the Gregorian calendar used in most of the world today, demonstrating Caesar’s impact on both politics and science.
He Had a Notorious Love Affair With Cleopatra
Caesar’s relationship with Cleopatra VII of Egypt is well-known, but its implications were more profound than just a romantic entanglement. Their affair was not only a personal connection but also a political alliance. Caesar’s involvement with Cleopatra helped him solidify his power and influence in the eastern Mediterranean. Their son, Caesarion, was a symbol of their union and a potential claim to both Roman and Egyptian thrones, reflecting Caesar’s strategic and ambitious nature.