This illustrated biography in the "Great Lives" series gives an account of the life of Julius Ceasar, a soldier and politician who rose from the position of an impoverished nobleman to become leader of the Roman Empire. The story begins with Caesar's family background and childhood and looks at the political framework of Rome and her empire at the time. The book goes on to trace Caesar's career - his entry into politics at an early age, the importance and influence of his early appointments, the forming of the Triumvirate, Caesar's long campaigns in Gaul which established his military reputation, the invasion of Britain, the collapse of the Triumvirate and the growing threat of Caesar in Rome, his stay in Egypt and his meeting with Cleopatra, and his rise to more or less absolute power. Although Julius Caesar's supporters believed him to be a politician of superb ability, others considered him to be an unscrupulous and arrogant dictator. Rather than be ruled by such a man they murdered Caesar. After briefly following the fates of the conspirators, and of Caesar's friends, the final chapter looks at Caesar's lasting achievements and their impact on the world.