<b>Gaius Julius Caesar</b>&nbsp;(12 July 100 BC &ndash; 15 March 44 BC) was a Roman general and statesman. A member of the First Triumvirate, Caesar led the Roman armies in the <b>Gallic Wars</b> before defeating his political rival Pompey in a civil war, and subsequently became dictator from 49 BC until his assassination in 44 BC. He played a critical role in the events that led to the demise of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.<br /><br />Translated by <b>W. A. McDevitte and W. S. Bohn</b>.