Julius Caesar 's Childhood

What was Julius Caesar's childhood like?

As an aristocrat, young Julius Caesar received a good education as a child. Young Julius Caesar learned Greek and Latin, philosophy, and most importantly, rhetoric - the art of persuasive argument. When Julius Caesar was only twelve, he was taken to the senate to hear the speeches and debates and to watch the politicians at work.

Julius Caesar as a young man

In spite of these early influences, Julius Caesar showed no real interest in politics as a young man. Instead Julius Caesar was known more as a dandy and a lady's man. Julius Caesar wrote poetry, dabbled in science, gave lavish parties, went into debt, and had affairs with allegedly both men and women, many of them married.

Julius Caesar was known his whole life for his insatiable sexual appetites, which even by the loose standards of the Romans, were considered extreme. Julius Caesar 's only role in public life was an appointment to the post of priest of Jupiter, an appointment arranged by his family. The priesthood in ancient Rome was not a spiritual calling, but a political office.

Julius Caesar 's arranged marriage

Julius Caesar 's family also arranged his first marriage, to a young woman named Cornelia, who was the daughter of one his famous uncle's friends. When Julius Caesar linked himself with Cornelia, he linked himself with the radical political set to which her father belonged.

Julius Caesar in exile

When his uncle was driven out of Rome by an opponent named Sulla, Sulla demanded that Julius Caesar divorce Cornelia. Julius Caesar refused, whether from love of his wife or defiance of his uncle's enemy, is unknown. That refusal put him in mortal danger so Julius Caesar fled Rome for the countryside. Julius Caesar lived in exile for months, then returned to Rome when he heard Sulla was willing to grant him a pardon.

Julius Caesar briefly tried to make a name for himself - by prosecuting two corrupt officials who worked under Sulla. One case Julius Caesar lost and one he won, but in both Julius Caesar was eloquent and made a good impression on the judges. By now, Julius Caesar had two major problems - Sulla was his enemy again, and he was deeply in debt. Julius Caesar  decided to leave Rome again and took a ship for the East. This turned into a famous episode in Caesar's life when the ship was captured by pirates, who took him prisoner and held him for ransom.