Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar was born in 100 B.C. to Aurelia and Gaius Julius Caesar. His father was a praetor and though his parents weren't rich and didn't have any influence on the way things were run, his uncle Gaius Marius was. Marius was the leader of the Popular faction and very wealthy. Marius was actually one of the richest men in Rome during that time period. When Julius was only 15 years old his father and uncle passed away leaving him their estates and wealth in their wills.

In 79 B.C. Julius was presented with his famous civic crown which was made of oak leaves. He received his crown for saving the lives of citizens during battle. During this time it is also said that he persuaded a king to give him a fleet of ships by sleeping with him. In 75 B.C. Caesar was kidnapped and when he was told that they were asking 20 talents for his release he said that he must be worth at least 50. Caesar joked with the pirates who had kidnapped him, but told them he would have them tracked down and killed after he was released and he did. Because the pirates had treated him so well during his capture he was merciful though and cut their throats first to save them lots of pain. In 70 B.C. while at the temple of Hercules in Gades, Caesar wept when he saw the statue of Alexander the Great. Why asked why he wept he replied, "Do you think I have not just cause to weep, when I consider that Alexander at my age had conquered so many nations, and I have all this time done nothing that is memorable."