Login
The Great Commanders: Julius Caesar - 9pm, Monday 16 March on Sky 534 & Virgin 243
Narrated by Brian Cox, Phil Grabsky’s documentary series profiling six of the greatest military leaders in history continues with a look at the life and achievements of Julius Caesar.
Born in 100BC into a family of high social standing, Gaius Julius Caesar embarked on a military and political career. His star rose rapidly, and in 60BC he formed the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, effectively assuming control over the Roman Republic. A series of military campaigns against the tribes of Gaul culminated in the decisive battle of Alesia, near the present-day city of Dijon, in 52BC against the forces of King Vercingetorix. Having surrounded Vercingetorix and his army, Caesar found himself attacked in turn by a relief force which outnumbered him by five to one. Using superior Roman tactics, discipline and military technology, he crushed the Gauls and forced Vercingetorix's surrender. This victory established Roman control of Western Europe for 400 years and bolstered Caesar’s status as a battlefield commander. Caesar’s lust for power, however, was by no means sated. Three years later he led a legion across the Rubicon, sparking a civil war that would end in his becoming the supreme ruler of the Republic.
Narrated by Brian Cox, Phil Grabsky’s documentary series profiling six of the greatest military leaders in history continues with a look at the life and achievements of Julius Caesar.
Born in 100BC into a family of high social standing, Gaius Julius Caesar embarked on a military and political career. His star rose rapidly, and in 60BC he formed the First Triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, effectively assuming control over the Roman Republic. A series of military campaigns against the tribes of Gaul culminated in the decisive battle of Alesia, near the present-day city of Dijon, in 52BC against the forces of King Vercingetorix. Having surrounded Vercingetorix and his army, Caesar found himself attacked in turn by a relief force which outnumbered him by five to one. Using superior Roman tactics, discipline and military technology, he crushed the Gauls and forced Vercingetorix's surrender. This victory established Roman control of Western Europe for 400 years and bolstered Caesar’s status as a battlefield commander. Caesar’s lust for power, however, was by no means sated. Three years later he led a legion across the Rubicon, sparking a civil war that would end in his becoming the supreme ruler of the Republic.