Julius Caesar – The early years (Drawn for Adrian Goldsworthy excellent Caesar). There is much more to write

Born to an aristocratic family that lacked power and money, Julius made his own way. Homeschooled he learned latin and greek, read voraciously, learned to fight, swim, run and ride.  Skillful with a range of weapons, he rode with his arms behind his back controlling his horse with his knees. 

Went to Greece to study rhetoric were he excelled until a rebellion  broke out in Asia Minor. With no Roman troops nearby, Julius left school to raise an army. He had no authority to conduct a war yet he drove his troops straight through the rebels, crushing them and restoring order. 

Captured by pirates on the way home, he charmed them into removing his chains and letting him drink, play games  and write poems with the pirates.  The pirate captain tried to ransom him for 20 talents but Julius insisted the captain ask for 50. The pirates loved Julius even though he promised to catch and hang them, which he did soon after the 50 talents were paid. 

He stood up to the dictator Sulla, who bathed Rome in blood, executing anyone who disagreed with him. Sulla stripped Julius of his land and money and told him to divorce his wife Cornelia. Julius refused which put his life at stake, so joined the army where he proved a courageous, effective fighter and a natural leader of men.  

A trend setter, he had a great sense of fashion, adding color to his toga and changing hairstyles. His innovative styles changed fashions across the empire long before he had power. 

He loved sleeping with married women.  High born women found his charm and his reputation as a great lover irresistible.  He had sex with hundreds of aristocratic women and at least two queens, including 18 year old Cleopatra.  Roman men often slept with their slaves, even so, the amount Julius spent on attractive slaves was lavish.

He spent lavishly on everything, seeing money as away to popularity and gaining favor. He made huge amounts of money and spent it all on other people. Giving loans, buying office for people, getting homes, raising arms, throwing huge parties.  

Julius was twice a priest, a victorious lawyer and threw some of the biggest parties in history, including massive gladiatorial games, parades, funeral games, beast shows, and feasts. He probably fought against Spartacus during the slave uprising. 

And then he entered politics and his life got interesting…