Hail Ceasar
Hail Caesar
Vice in the individual was a recurrent theme in Ancient Rome. From it's beginnings the role of vice was part of the roots of the city. As far back a Romulus and Remus, misdeeds were basic to the founding of Rome.
Romulus, himself, by his actions set the standard for the use of vice in this new monarchy. First by killing his own brother, then by making Rome a safe haven for any criminal type in the region. It could be said that vice is a integral part of what made Rome. This statement may seem a paradox but without their vices many of the greatest historical characters may not have risen to the level of power to effect any impact on Rome. One such individual who knew all too well how to use vice for his own agenda was Julius Caesar. Julius Caesar was a master at manipulation. He knew how to use marriages and relationships much like a general uses military tactics on a battlefield. According to Suetonius."...He broke an engagement, made for him while he was still a boy , to marry one Cossutia;,for, though rich, she came of only equestrian family. Instead he named Cornelia, daughter of that Cinna who had been Consul four times.."(Suetonius p13).
He began to at that point to develop alliances that would aid his career and his rise to power.
The dictator Sulla had a distrust of him early on, in Seutonius Sulla was to have said of Caesar upon pardoning him for the marriage to Cornelia, "Very well then, ...But never forget that man whom you want me to spare will one day prove the ruin of the party which you and I have so long defended. There are many Mariuses in this fellow Caesar."(Suetonius p.14) One might wonder what characteristics that Sulla recognized in this young Caesar to disturb him so much.
Caesar continued to build alliances in his military service. One such was with King Nicomedes of Brithmia. It was reported to be a homosexual affair . This tarnished his reputation and was used by his rivals as a point of ridicule. His reputation somewhat...
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