Caesar (novel)

infobox Book |
name = Caesar
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption =
author = Colleen McCullough
cover_artist =
country = Australia
language = English
series =
genre = Historical Fiction
publisher = Avon
release_date = 1998
media_type = Print (Hardback & Paperback)
pages =
isbn =
preceded_by = Caesar's Women
followed_by = The October Horse

"Caesar" (also known by its subtitle "Let the Dice Fly") is the fifth historical novel in Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome series.

Plot summary

The novel opens in 54 BC, with Caesar in the middle of his epochal Gallic campaigns, having just invaded Britannia. The first half of the novel deals broadly with the conclusion of his conquests in Gaul, and the second half narrates the growing sense of unease in Rome concerning Caesar's intentions, the antagonism of the conservative 'boni' faction towards him, his crossing of the Rubicon, his invasion of Italy and his victory in the Civil War.

Some of the pivotal moments include: Caesar's return from Britannia; his narrow escape during the battle of Gergovia; his great victory at Alesia, which involved the complete circumvallation of the citadel, the repulse of a relief force, and the acceptance of the surrender of Vercingetorix; his final destruction of the Gallic resistance at Uxellodunum; the death of Julia and Marcus Licinius Crassus; his falling out with Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus and the final collapse of the First Triumvirate system; his failed negotiations concerning his re-election as consul; the opening of the Civil War; the Battle of Dyrrhachium and the Battle of Pharsalus; the flight of Pompey to Ptolemaic Egypt and his assassination there; and the scattering of the 'boni' leadership.

When the book ends, Caesar has become the undisputed ruler of the Roman World, and he is facing the temptation of kingship.

References

*cite book | title=Caesar | last=McCullough | first=Colleen | authorlink=Colleen McCullough | publisher=Century Books | location= | date=1998 | id=ISBN 0712638520