“No one is so brave that he is not disturbed by something unexpected.”
When it comes to influential figures in history, few names come close to matching the might and prestige of Julius Caesar. His life, marked by political ambition, military genius and personal intrigue has inspired countless historical books dedicated to delving into his complex legacy. Whether you’re interested in his rise to power, the dramatic events surrounding his eventual assassination or the far-reaching ramifications of his reign on Roman history, there is a wealth of resources available to you. Which is why we here at What We Reading thought we would pay homage to the Roman Dictator for Life with the best Julius Caesar books from across history. Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or new to ancient Rome, these books about Julius Caesar provide captivating character portraits and rich historical detail.
Julius Caesar – Philip Freeman
First up on our list of the best Julius Caesar books is Philip Freeman’s acclaimed biography of the Roman statesman. Over two thousand years after his death, Caesar remains one of the defining figures of history. In his extensive biography of the man whose name would become synonymous with emperors across the continent, Freeman attempts to reveal how there was far more to Julius Caesar than just his military prowess. From his honour, courage, and ambition to his vanity, Caesar was both a hero and villain of his time rising from decline to becoming the Roman Republic’s ruling dictator.
Julius Caesar presents the man in all his dimensions and contradictions. With exceptional clarity, Freeman demonstrates how Caesar came to dominate ancient Rome, and lay the course of its destiny for centuries to come.
Caesar: Life Of A Colossus – Adrian Goldsworthy
Another one of the best biographies on Caesar, Adrian Goldsworthy traces the trajectory of Rome’s dictator, covering not only his accomplishments as a skilled orator, conquering general and powerful dictator, but also the many lesser-known chapters of what made an utterly captivating life. From being the high priest of an exotic cult to seducing everyone from the wives of his opponents to Cleopatra herself, Goldsworthy’s book realises the immense complexity of Caesar’s character, and why his leadership remains so influential to this day.
From fugitive, rising politician, legal advocate, rebel to ruler, as well as a father, lover, adulterer and husband, Life of a Colossus remains one of the most captivating Julius Caesar books and an illuminating resource on ancient Rome in the first century BCE.
Rubicon: The Last Years Of The Roman Republic (History Of Rome #1) – Tom Holland
In 49 BCE, the seven-hundred-fifth year since Rome was founded, Julius Caesar crossed a small border river named the Rubicon and condemned the city into an apocalyptic civil war. In his enthralling work, Rubicon, Tom Holland tells the story of Caesar’s generation and how the ancient Roman Republic descended into a bloody transformation toward an empire.
From Cicero, Spartacus, Virgil, Brutus, and Cleopatra to Augustus, this era of history housed some of the most iconic names, all of whom are deftly brought to life by Holland. Combing verve and freshness with an analytical scholarship, Rubicon is not only one of the best Julius Caesar books about the trials and tribulations of the general, but also a stunning portrait of the greatest civilisation of its day, and all of the rivalry, decadence, intrigue, war and world-shaking ambitions lurking within.
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The Twelve Caesars (The Lives Of The Twelve Caesars #1-12) – Suetonius
As private secretary to Emperor Hadrian, Suetonius gained access to the imperial archives of ancient Rome and utilised them along with eyewitness accounts to produce one of the most illuminating biographical works in all of history.
The Twelve Caesars is Suetonius’ chronicles of the public careers and private lives of the individuals who wielded total control over Rome. From the foundations of the empire under Julius Caesar and Augustus to the decline and depravity of Emperor Nero, Suetonius’ work is one of the most invaluable guides to ancient Rome and is still brimming with wry observations and detailed physical descriptions.
Caesar’s Legion: The Epic Saga Of Julius Caesar’s Elite Tenth Legion And The Armies Of Rome – Stephen Dando-Collins
In Caesar’s Legion, Stephen Dando-Collins paints a vivid and definitive portrait of daily life in the Tenth Legion under Julius Caesar as he and his men conquer the blood-soaked fringes of the Roman Empire.
One of the most illuminating books on ancient Rome, Dando-Collins reveals countless previously unknown details about Roman military practices, as well as Julius Caesar’s personal conduct as a commander. He shows the relationships Caesar had with his officers and legionnaires and the day-to-day routines of the Legion. From the gruesome realities of warfare in the ancient world to the inner workings of one of history’s generals, this riveting account is invaluable for anyone looking to learn more about ancient Roman military history.
The Death Of Caesar: The Story Of History’s Most Famous Assassination – Barry S. Strauss
Julius Caesar was stabbed to death in the Roman Senate on 3/15/44 BCE in what became known in the Roman calendar as the Ides of March. He would be the final casualty of one civil war, the first of an entirely new one, one that would bring an end to the Roman Republic and usher in a new period of empire.
For the conspirators that claimed Caesar’s life, the reasons were mainly political. Those responsible wanted to bring an end to the dictator’s dominating rule and restore power to the Senate. In his enthralling book on Julius Caesar and his assassination, Barry S. Strauss lifts the lid on the major players involved and the myriad of motivations that drove that fateful day in March in The Death of Caesar.
The Assassination Of Julius Caesar: A People’s History Of Ancient Rome – Michael Parenti
Almost as famous as his political accomplishments and military achievements, the assassination of Julius Caesar is arguably the most pivotal moment in Roman history. However, whilst most Julius Caesar books focus on this event through the lens of the nobility, Michael Parenti presents readers with a story of popular resistance against entrenched power and wealth in A People’s History of Ancient Rome.
Carefully weighing the evidence concerning the murder of Caesar, Parenti sketches the background of the killing itself against the fascinating details of the makeup and structure of wider Roman society at the time. The end result is a breathtakingly fascinating new perspective on a much-studied moment in history.
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Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
