Julius Caesar

By: Philip Freeman

Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart

More than 2,000 years after his death, Julius Caesar remains one of the great figures of history. He shaped Rome for generations, and his name became a synonym for "emperor" - not only in Rome but as far away as Germany and Russia. He is best known as the general who defeated the Gauls and doubled the size of Rome's territories. But, as Philip Freeman describes in this fascinating new biography, Caesar was also a brilliant orator, an accomplished writer, a skilled politician, and much more.

Julius Caesar was a complex man, both hero and villain. He possessed great courage, ambition, honor, and vanity. Born into a noble family that had long been in decline, he advanced his career cunningly, beginning as a priest and eventually becoming Rome's leading general. He made alliances with his rivals and then discarded them when it suited him. He was a spokesman for the ordinary people of Rome, who rallied around him time and again, but he profited enormously from his conquests and lived opulently. Eventually he was murdered in one of the most famous assassinations in history.

In this splendid biography, Freeman presents Julius Caesar in all his dimensions and contradictions. This book will captivate listeners discovering Caesar and ancient Rome for the first time, as well as those who have a deep interest in the classical world.

©2008 Philip Freeman (P)2019 Tantor

Critic reviews

“[Freeman] takes the reader through every dizzying thrill and spill. The scholar will find much to admire in this book, but, better still, the newcomer to ancient Rome will turn its pages with excitement, enlightenment - and sheer narrative suspense.” (Anthony Everitt, author of Augustus and Cicero)

His rags to riches story

The narrators style left me wanting. It wouldn’t keep from listening but his style got monotonous.

Great biographer on the founder of the Roman Empire

One of the most important people that ever lived. This book is immensely entertaining and draws out the historic figure from the legend. Truly wonderful to read a biography of what Caesar’s faced and overcame to found the Roman Empire.

Very good

It will always be a pleasure to learn more about Julius Caesar to learn about the history of Rome and his character

Nonfiction Caesar is more compelling than fantasy

this book is an excellent example of how true facts documented in history I simply much more fascinating Ben fantasy and nonfiction. to read about the lives of people living two thousand years ago that are as accurate and realistic as the Rising Sun.

FACT triumphs over FICTION

Amazing work !

What little I knew of Julius Caesar was info to motivate me to download this audio book.
The story of his rise, conquests and downfall is riveting narrative. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in history , politics and the end of the Republic of Rome.

Excellent!!!

Few people in history remain relevant for a reason, Caesar is one of them!!! Fascinating!!!

A great biography well read

Very straightforward well researched biography and a wonderful introduction to Caesar. This biography works well on audible. I had read the book a couple of years ago and just added the audio book. The audio book somehow made Caesar come alive for me much more than just reading it. The way Freeman put the story together makes listening to it as enjoyable as watching a movie. The narrator is good and Caesar's story incredible. Freeman is especially good in describing the battles and Caesar always audacious always larger than life is a really fun read and listen.

Great book

Great book. Incredibly informative and excellent narration. One of the best books I've ever listened to on Audible. If you're into history, especially Roman history, this is the book.

Enjoyable and informative.

Easy to listen to and reasonably comprehensive pertaining to Caesar’s life. Very intriguing! Definitely whets my appetite for more on Ancient Rome.

Addicted to Philip Freeman books

I’ve listened to Freeman’s Alexander the Great three times,so I was excited when I found his Julius Caesar.