In Caesar’s early political life, he displayed an innate yearning for authority. Kicking off his career as a prosecuting advocate, he rose through Rome’s high-stakes political ranks with sustained ambition. The first significant step towards cementing his political dominance was obtaining the position of aedile in 65 BCE. In this role, he was in charge of the city’s infrastructure and public games, which he utilized to curry public favor through lavish expenditures.
His popularity soared allowing him to secure the role of Pontifex Maximus (chief priest), a position of great influence. Notably, he pushed past age restrictions and took on this role at a relatively early stage of his career. His subsequent promotion to the rank of praetor in 62 BCE gave him judicial power and bolstered his climbing status.
His later appointment as governor of Further Spain marked a significant step, wherein he showcased his military prowess and strategic acumen. Upon his return to Rome, armed with military success and added wealth, Caesar formed the first triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, signifying his ascendancy to the apex of Roman politics, setting the stage for his dictatorship. The trajectory of his career illustrates the strategic and relentless pursuit of power that defined him.
#1. What was Caesar's starting role in his political career?
C is the answer. The text notes that Caesar began his political career as a prosecuting advocate.
#2. What position did Caesar hold in 65 BCE, which became a significant step towards his political dominance?
A is the answer. As the text states, Caesar’s first significant step towards cementing his political dominance was obtaining the position of aedile in 65 BCE.
#3. What were Caesar's responsibilities as an aedile?
B is the answer. According to the text, as an aedile, Caesar was in charge of the city’s infrastructure and public games.
#4. What position showed Caesar's military prowess and strategic acumen?
D is the answer. The text marks Caesar’s position as governor of Further Spain as a significant step that allowed him to show his military prowess and strategic acumen.
#5. Who did Caesar form the first triumvirate with?
A is the answer. Upon his return to Rome, Caesar formed the first triumvirate with Pompey and Crassus, as the text mentions.
#6. What does the trajectory of Caesar's career illustrate?
C is the answer. The text concludes by stating that the trajectory of Caesar’s career illustrates the strategic and relentless pursuit of power that defined him.
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