Winged expressions of Caesar and their meanings. Gaius Julius Caesar

Gaius Julius CAESAR

(Gajus Julius Caesar, 100–44 BC), Roman statesman, commander

20 I have not yet accomplished anything memorable, while Alexander at my age has already conquered the world!

According to Suetonius, in 67 BC. e. (i.e., at the age of 33) Caesar, on behalf of the praetor, arrived in the Spanish city of Gades and, seeing the statue of Alexander the Great in the temple of Hercules, “sighed, as if disgusted with his inactivity, since he had not yet accomplished anything memorable, while Alexander at this age had already conquered the world” (“The Divine Julius”, 7). ? Svet., p. 15.

According to Plutarch, Caesar, reading a book about the deeds of Alexander, said to his friends: “At my age, Alexander had already ruled so many nations, and I still have not done anything remarkable!” (“Caesar”, 11; in a slightly different form - in “The Sayings of Kings and Generals”, 90.1). ? Plut., 2:170; Plut.-1999, p. 552.

? “Twenty-two years and nothing has been done for immortality yet!” (Sh-260).

21 * Caesar's wife must be above suspicion.

In 62 BC. e. Publius Clodius, the seducer of Poppaea, Caesar's wife, was brought to trial. Caesar, called as a witness, stated that he knew nothing, and when asked why he divorced his wife, he replied: “Because my loved ones<…>must be clean not only from guilt, but also from suspicion” (Suetonius, “The Divine Julius”, 74, 2). ? Svet., p. 42.

From Plutarch: “Not even a shadow of suspicion should fall on my wife” (“Caesar”, 10). ? Plut., 2:170.

Passing by a poor town in Gaul on the way to Spain (58 BC) (Plutarch, Caesar, 11). ? Plut., 2:170; here: “I would rather be...”.

Hence: “It is better to be first in the village than second in Rome” - for example, in F. Bacon’s treatise “On the Advancement of Sciences” (1605), II, 23, 36. ? Knowles, p. 180.

23 Happiness plays a big role in everything, especially in matters of war.

"Notes on the Gallic War", VI, 30

Notes of Julius Caesar... - M., 1993, p. 132

24 What is honorable must be given to the strongest, and what is necessary to the weakest.

According to Suetonius, when Caesar “was riding with Gaius Oppius through a dense forest, and a sudden illness fell upon him, he gave his friend his only shelter, and he himself spent the night on the bare ground” (“The Divine Julius”, 72). According to Plutarch, Caesar turned to his friends with the words: “What is honorable must be given to the strongest, and what is necessary to the weakest” (“Caesar”, 17). ? Svet., p. 41–42; Plut., 2:174.

25 [A ruler] is not so easily pushed from first to second place as then from second to last.

The words of Caesar shortly before the civil war with Pompey (Suetonius, “The Divine Julius”, 29, 1). ? Svet., p. 24–25.

26 * Cross the Rubicon.

In 49 BC. e. Caesar began his campaign against Rome. At the small river Rubicon (the border of the province assigned to his administration), he “hesitated and, pondering what step he would dare to take, said<…>: “It’s not too late to return; but once you cross this bridge, everything will be decided by weapons” (Suetonius, “The Divine Julius”, 31, 2). ? Svet., p. 26.

In the version of Appian of Alexandria: “If I refuse to cross, it will be a disaster for me; if I cross, it will be a disaster for everyone” (“Civil Wars”, II, 34). ? Quote from: Svet., p. 370.

Wed. also: “Caesar is [already] on this side of the Rubicon” (“Caesar citra Rubiconem”) - an expression dating back to Cicero (“Philippics”, 6, 5; 7, 26); however, Cicero was talking about a later time, when Mark Antony was marching on Rome. ? Kasper, S. 51.

27 The die is cast! // Alea jacta est.

When crossing the Rubicon 10 Jan. 49 BC e. (according to the pre-Julian calendar) (Suetonius, “The Divine Julius”, 32). ? Svet., p. 26.

According to Plutarch, Caesar said in Greek: “Let the lot be cast!” - “words common to people embarking on a daring undertaking, the outcome of which is doubtful” (“Caesar”, 32; “Pompey”, 60). This is a quote from Menander's comedy "The Flutist". ? Plut., 2:182; 2:100; Babichev, 53.

28 This is much harder for me to say than to do.

29 You consider as your opponents all those who are not with us, but I consider all those who are not against me as my supporters.

Supporters of Pompey the Great in the Civil War. Quoted by Cicero in a speech in defense of Quintus Ligarius, XI, 33 (in the second person: “You<…>said that we believe...", etc.). ? Cicero 1993, 2:271.

? “Whoever is not against you is for you” (B-772).

30 You are carrying Caesar and his happiness.

In 48 BC. e. Caesar tried to cross unrecognized from Illyria to Italy (to Brundisium) for reinforcements. “The helmsman, powerless to cope with the elements, ordered the sailors to turn the ship back. Hearing this, Caesar stepped forward and, taking the amazed helmsman by the hand, said: “Forward, my dear, be bold, do not be afraid of anything: you are carrying Caesar and his happiness” (Plutarch, “Caesar”, 38). ? Plut., 2:185.

In an earlier version by the Roman poet Lucan (39–65): “You have not known whom you are carrying; / The mercy of the gods will never leave him”; “Rush into the depths of the hurricane, / Trusting me with your life! The sea and the sky are in danger, / But not our boat: Caesar is sailing on it and this / Burden will protect it” (“Pharsalia”, V, 579–586; trans. L. Ostroumova). ? Dept. ed. – M., 1951, p. 116.

31 I came, I saw, I conquered. // Veni, vidi, vici.

Report to the Senate after the victory over the Pontic king Pharnaces at Zela, August 2. 47 BC e. (Plutarch, Caesar, 50; Appian of Alexandria, Civil Wars, II, 91). ? Plut., 2:191; Appian of Alexandria. Roman history. – M., 1998, p. 417.

According to Suetonius, this phrase was inscribed on a board that was carried before Caesar during his Pontic triumph (The Divine Julius, 37, 2). ? Svet., p. 28.

? “I came, I saw, and God won!” (K-81).

32 You are in my hands, Africa! // Teneo te, Africa!

When landing on the African coast (47 BC), Caesar, getting off the ship, stumbled; but turned this into a good omen, exclaiming: “You are in my hands, Africa!” (Suetonius, The Divine Julius, 59). ? Svet., p. 38.

33 * I have lived enough for both life and glory. // Satis vixi vel vitae vel gloriae.

Quoted in Cicero's speech on the occasion of the return of Marcus Claudius Marcellus, 7, 25 (Sept. 46 BC): "I have lived long enough both for the laws of nature and for glory." ? Cicero-1993, 2:258; Babkin, 2:370.

Cicero's objection: “lived<…>enough<…>for glory, but<…>for the fatherland<…>not enough" (ibid., 7, 25).

34 The Republic is nothing, empty name without body and appearance.

This is how, according to the Pompeian historian Titus Ampius, Caesar spoke after coming to power (c. 46 BC) (Suetonius, “The Divine Julius”, 77). ? Svet., p. 44.

35 I am Caesar, not a king! // Caesarem se, non regem esse.

The plebeian, who called him king (Suetonius, “The Divine Julius”, 79, 2). ? Svet., p. 45.

“Tsar” (“Rex”) is a nickname in the Martius family, from which Caesar’s mother came; “Caesar” is in the Julian family, from which his father came.

36 There are two things that assert, protect and increase power - troops and money, and without each other they are unthinkable.

Quoted from Dio Cassius (Roman History, 42, 49). ? Quote from: Svet., p. 374.

? “To wage war you need money, money and more money” (T-268).

37 It is better to die once than to constantly expect death.

Caesar's response to the proposal to surround him with bodyguards (Plutarch, "Caesar", 57). ? Plut., 2:194.

? “A coward dies many times before death...” (Sh-211).

38 * I am not afraid of fat people, but of pale and skinny people.

“Having received a denunciation that Antony and Dolabella were plotting a rebellion against him, he said: “I am not particularly afraid of these long-haired fat men, but rather of the pale and skinny ones,” hinting at Cassius and Brutus” (Plutarch, “Caesar”, 62 ). ? Plut., 2:197.

39 “What kind of death is the best?” - “Unexpected!”

Caesar's answer in a conversation the day before his death (Plutarch, “Caesar”, 63). ? Plut., 2:198.

Dialogue of Caesar with a fortuneteller who predicted to Caesar that on the day of the Ides of March (March 15, 44 BC) great danger awaits him (Plutarch, “Caesar,” 63; also: Suetonius, “The Divine Julius,” 81, 2; 81, 4). ? Plut., 2:198; Svet., p. 47. “Ides” – the middle of the month for the Romans.

The “Ides of March” became a designation for a conspiracy against Caesar (eg: Cicero, “Letters to Atticus”, XIV, 4, 2; 14, 3). ? Cicero-1994, 3:246, 268. ? “Beware the Ides of March!” (Sh-209).

41 And you, my child? (And you, my son?)

Last words March 15, 44 BC e. "…Some<…>They say that he said to Marcus Brutus who rushed at him: “ And you, my child?"" (Suetonius, "The Divine Julius", 82, 2; words of Caesar - in Greek). Perhaps Suetonius here hints that Brutus was considered the son of Caesar from a relationship with Servilia, Brutus’s mother. ? Svet., p. 48, 378.

In the form: “And you, Brutus?” (“Et tu, Brute”) – in Shakespeare’s tragedy “Julius Caesar”, III, 1.

From the book All the Monarchs of the World: Greece. Rome. Byzantium author Ryzhov Konstantin Vladislavovich

CAESAR, Gaius Julius Roman Emperor in 49-44. BC Founder Yuliev-Klavdiev. Genus. OK. 100 BC Died March 15, 44 BC. Caesar was born in 100 BC. (or, according to other estimates, in 102-101 BC). Early start his political career relationship with

From the book Big Soviet Encyclopedia(CE) of the author TSB

From the book Great Soviet Encyclopedia (YL) by the author TSB

From the book 100 great diplomats author Mussky Igor Anatolievich

CAESAR GAI JULIUS (100-44 BC) Roman dictator (in 49, 48–46, 45 BC, from 44 BC - for life). Started political activity as a supporter of the democratic group. Seeking a consulate, he entered into an alliance with C. Pompey and Crassus. Consul in 59 BC, then governor

From the book 100 Great Dictators author Mussky Igor Anatolievich

CAESAR GAI JULIUS (100-44 BC) Roman dictator (in 49, 48–46, 45, from 44 - for life). Commander. Having concentrated in his hands a number of the most important republican positions (dictator, consul, etc.), he actually became a monarch. Killed as a result of a conspiracy

From the book of Aphorisms author Ermishin Oleg

Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BC) statesman, commander, writer Happiness plays a big role in everything, especially in matters of war. In war, minor circumstances often lead to big changes. Soldiers (...) have great influence morals

From the book 100 great people by Hart Michael H

67. JULIUS CAESAR (100-44 BC) Gaius Julius Caesar, famous Roman military and political leader, was born in Rome in 100 BC during a period of unusual political turmoil. In the second century BC after the victory over Carthage in the Second Punic War Romans

From the book 100 great commanders author Lanning Michael Lee

5. JULIUS CAESAR Roman Emperor (100–44 BC) The conquests of the great commander and statesman Julius Caesar ensured the security of the Roman Empire for five centuries and allowed the spread of Roman laws, customs, and the Latin language in European countries.

From the book Thoughts and Sayings of the Ancients, indicating the source author

Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (100 - 44 BC), statesman, commander, writer. After defeating Pompey in the civil war, he was declared dictator for life. Killed by supporters of the republic led by Brutus and Cassius. Happiness plays a big role in everything,

From the book 10,000 aphorisms of great sages author Author unknown

Gaius Julius Caesar 102/100-44 BC e. Statesman and politician. Great undertakings don’t even need to be thought about. Power only wins and strengthens when it is used in moderation. Each is an architect of his own destiny. It is easier to find people who voluntarily

From the book 100 great commanders Western Europe author Shishov Alexey Vasilievich

From the book 100 great commanders of antiquity author Shishov Alexey Vasilievich

From the book The best thoughts and sayings of the ancients in one volume author Dushenko Konstantin Vasilievich

Julius Caesar Gaius Julius Caesar (100–44 BC), statesman, commander, writer. After defeating Pompey in the civil war, he was declared dictator for life. Killed by supporters of the republic led by Brutus and Cassius. Happiness plays a big role in everything,

From the book Big dictionary quotes and catchphrases author Dushenko Konstantin Vasilievich

SCALIGER, Julius Caesar (Scaligero, Julio Cesare, 1484–1558), Italian humanist 252 The poet is the second god. // Poeta alter deus (lat.). "Poetics" (published 1561), I, 1? Markiewicz, s.

From the book World history in sayings and quotes author Dushenko Konstantin Vasilievich

Gaius Julius Caesar (Gajus Julius Caesar, 100–44 BC), Roman statesman, commander 20 I have not yet done anything memorable, while Alexander at my age has already conquered the world! According to Suetonius, in 67 BC. e. (i.e. at the age of 33) Caesar on behalf of the praetor

From the author's book

Gaius Julius Caesar (Gajus Julius Caesar, 100 - 44 BC), Roman statesman, commander, writer2 I have not yet done anything memorable, while Alexander at my age had already conquered the world! According to Suetonius, in 67 BC. e. (i.e. at the age of 33) Caesar on behalf of the praetor

It is much more difficult to overthrow a king from the throne than to push him into the background after the overthrow.

The main attribute of love, without which there is no euphoria, happiness and harmony, is ordinary reciprocity, the lack of which is sometimes impossible to compensate.

Everything great does not need comprehension and slow-wittedness - otherwise you can retreat, frightened by the grandeur of plans and accomplishments. – Julius Caesar

She should be purer than a tear, floating in clouds of purity and sublimity. Suspicion and thoughts of slander can discredit and insult the very concept of marriage. My wife is a holy woman.

The first is brave, the second is brave, the third is brave... The thousandth is a damn courageous warrior. But victory goes to the brave men, united by an invisible thread of valor and courage multiplied by unity and faith.

Yu. Caesar: A strange vice of all living things is natural fear, panic or admiration for the mysterious, unknown and incomprehensible. You can avoid fear and horror using education and science.

Someone else's bad manners cannot serve as the main topic of conversation for an exemplary polite person.

It's easier to volunteer imminent death than to endure the suffering of hell for a long time, dreary hardships, constant torment and deprivation of a villainous fate.

Continuation beautiful aphorisms and quotes from Julius Caesar, read on the pages:

You cannot offend a guest.

Winners and lovers don't get sick

I would rather be first in a poor town than second in Rome.

You cannot offend a guest.

Experience is the teacher of everything.

I have lived a long time both by the standards of nature and by the standards of fame.

I would rather be first here in a poor town than second in Rome.

People willingly believe what they want to believe.

No victory can bring as much as one defeat can take away.

No victory can bring as much as one defeat can take away.

The greatest enemy is hiding where you least look for him.

It's better to die once than to constantly expect death

Make your way by force.

Weapons and laws do not get along with each other.

Experience is the teacher of everything.

People can be easily convinced of anything. Especially if they want it.

Don’t point your finger at bad manners – it’s indecent!

Die is cast! (Alea iacta est)

It is better to die immediately than to live waiting for death.

Not even a shadow of suspicion should fall on my wife.

Power only benefits and grows stronger when it is used in moderation.

People willingly believe what they want to believe.

The more significant you are, the less you can afford.

It is easier to find people who voluntarily go to death than those who patiently endure pain.

The Rubicon has been crossed.

Let them hate, as long as they are afraid.

It is not so easy to push a ruler from first to second place as then from second to last.

I came, I saw, I conquered.

The greatest enemy is hiding where you least look for him.

Make your way by force.

Each is a smith of his own destiny.

I would rather be first here (in a poor town) than second in Rome.

Great things must be done, not thought about endlessly.

Victory depends on the valor of the legions.

If the enemy, in order to disappear, chose a place that is impossible to even imagine, he is great!

He who denounces the bad manners of others cannot himself serve as a model of politeness.

It is easier to find people who voluntarily go to death than those who patiently endure pain.

It is easier to find people who voluntarily go to death than those who patiently endure pain.

People willingly believe what they want to believe.

Constantly waiting for an old woman with a scythe is worse than death itself.

The speaker should avoid unnecessary words How a helmsman avoids pitfalls.

You don’t even need to think about great undertakings, you need to get down to business, otherwise, noticing the difficulty, you will retreat.

I love betrayal, but not traitors.

You cannot offend a guest.

Live in such a way that your friends will be bored when you die.

It is better to die immediately than to live waiting for death.

People willingly believe what they want to believe. (Libenter homines id, quod volunt, credunt)

Victory depends on the valor of the legions.

Make your way by force.

I came, I saw, I conquered.

Each is a smith of his own destiny.

Today, victory would remain with the opponents if they had someone to win.

Experience is the teacher of everything. (Est rerum omnium magister usus)

If you stumble once, you will drop more than the previous one received during the entire journey.

The Rubicon has been crossed.

This is the vice inherent in our nature: things invisible, hidden and unknown, give rise to both great faith and the strongest fear in us.

You don’t even need to think about great undertakings, you need to get down to business, otherwise, noticing the difficulty, you will retreat.

You don’t even need to think about great undertakings, you need to get down to business, otherwise, noticing the difficulty, you will retreat.

No one is so brave as not to be afraid of the unexpected.

Each is a smith of his own destiny.

You can overdo it with power. And this is a defeat.

This is the vice inherent in our nature: things invisible, hidden and unknown give rise to both great faith and the strongest fear in us.

You don’t even need to think about great undertakings, you need to get down to business, otherwise, noticing the difficulty, you will retreat.

Each is a smith of his own destiny. (Suae quisque fortunae faber)

How I wish that all people had one head and that I could cut off that head.

Each is a smith of his own destiny.

Popular wisdom says: a sovereign who descends one step lower will soon find himself at the very bottom.

War gives the conquerors the right to dictate any conditions to the conquered.

Divide and conquer. (Divide et impera)

This is the vice inherent in our nature: things invisible, hidden and unknown, give rise to both great faith and the strongest fear in us.

You cannot offend a guest.

I would rather be first here (in a poor town) than second in Rome.

It is easier to find people who voluntarily go to death than those who patiently endure pain.

I came, I saw, I conquered. (Veni, vedi, vici)

Suddenness will frighten even the brave.

The greatest enemy is hiding where you least look for him.

On August 2, more than two thousand years ago, Gaius Julius Caesar, after defeating the Bosporan king Pharnaces II, said the famous “I came, I saw, I conquered.” We remembered five more sayings famous Caesar that have become aphorisms.

5) “The Rubicon has been crossed - the die has been cast.” With these words, Caesar unleashed one of the bloodiest civil wars in ancient Roman history. Since then, who hasn't used it? famous expression: thousands of rulers and nobles, warriors and scientists and even ordinary people daring to any responsible act in your life. They say that Adolf Hitler on August 31, 1939, in response to the timid plea of ​​his entourage not to start the Second world war the next day he also quoted Caesar.

4) “And you, Brutus?” Everyone from school knows under what circumstances Gaius Julius Caesar uttered such words. But few people know that they came to us in not quite exact form(“And you, Brutus, my son!” - in fact) and in reality were not pronounced in Latin ( native language Romans), but in Greek. The phrase in its current, “short” form is first found in Shakespeare.

3) “Let them hate - as long as they are afraid!” This famous phrase Historians sometimes also attribute it to Caligula, and to Caesar’s contemporary, the 1st century BC writer Actium. It is now unlikely that it will be possible to establish exactly who exactly pronounced this Latin maxim. In addition, this does not in any way affect its popularity, because it is applicable to any political regime professing violence. They say that another dictator and bloody tyrant, Joseph Stalin, liked to pronounce these words in a close circle of associates.

2) “Those going to death greet you!” This famous ancient Roman expression does not belong specifically to Julius Caesar. Some experts attribute its authorship to the distant descendant of Julius Caesar - Emperor Claudius. Perhaps the most original use of this phrase was. The case when Vladimir Putin used this battle cry of ancient Roman gladiators at a meeting with law students during his 2011-2012 election campaign. The presidential candidate explained that future lawyers have the most responsible and very difficult work, like the ancient fighters.

1) The name itself is “Caesar”. Actually, the terms “Kaiser” and “king” come from the name of the most famous Roman. In addition, the title of the ancient Roman heirs to the throne was also called “Caesar,” and the title of the emperor himself was “Augustus,” from the name of Julius Caesar’s great-nephew, Octavian Augustus. And if the first renamed the seventh month in his honor, then the second renamed the next one - it was difficult for the “descendants of Jupiter” to deny delusions of grandeur.

Gaius Julius Caesar is one of the most famous politicians, military leaders, writers and dictators of the times Ancient Rome. In addition, Caesar was also the high priest. Its origins were rooted in one of the Roman families ruling class, and Caesar persistently and consistently achieved for himself more and more high position. He was distinguished by his mercy, but he still sent several of his opponents to execution. The words of Julius Caesar are still of interest to anyone interested in history and politics. Many of his phrases became catchphrases.

Most famous phrase

One of the most famous quotes Caesar - Divide et impera (Divide and conquer). Literally this expression is translated as “divide to reign.” This phrase, which has become a catchphrase, means that if you divide the people among themselves, it becomes much easier to control them. After all, strength lies in unity, and alone it becomes much more difficult for everyone to survive. The words of Julius Caesar, “Divide and conquer,” are still used today by many leaders as their main credo. But often the ruler does not even need to divide the people - people themselves gather into “interest groups” in which there is only one truth, and any dissenter is considered an enemy of this group.

Victory over Pharnaces

Another of Caesar's most famous quotes is Veni, Vidi, Vici (I came, I saw, I conquered). With this phrase, Caesar summed up his victory over King Pharnaces in 47 BC. e. Pharnaces was the ruler of the Pontic kingdom and Bosporus. At this time in Rome it was in full swing civil war, and has long caused the Roman Empire numerous inconveniences. King Pharnaces decided to take advantage of the opportunity and, while Rome was busy with internal proceedings, invaded Cappadocia. This region was located in the northern part of Turkey and belonged to Rome. Pharnaces dealt a serious blow to the weakened Roman defenses; at the time there were rumors that he had subjected them to severe torture.

But further development events shows why Caesar's quote about the victory over Pharnaces became so famous. The emperor, having returned with victory in the Alexandrian War, firmly decided to put Pharnaces in his place and teach him a lesson. The battle took place near the city of Zela, and Caesar literally smashed the well-organized army of the Pontic ruler to smithereens in just five days. In his letter to his friend Amantius, the Roman emperor could not resist boasting about this victory. Since then, Caesar's quote has become famous.

Phrase about betrayal

But there is one more thing no less famous expression, which is attributed to the great emperor. Everyone knows him educated person, even if he is not familiar with the life history of the ruler. Caesar's quote "Et tu, Brute?" (“And you, Brutus?”), which the emperor uttered at the moment of his death, has long become a household name. It is used in cases of betrayal of a trusted and loved one- this is exactly what Brutus was for Caesar. Why did they decide to kill the emperor? The reason was the increasing concentration of power in the hands of the emperor. This also provoked growing discontent among the Roman elite. Caesar could not be saved by any merits to society and victories. By the end of his life, all power was practically in his hands, which made him a dictator. When exactly was this quote by Julius Caesar uttered? The conspiracy could only be carried out by those people who were closest to the emperor. Caesar was stabbed to death with a dagger. When he saw his close friend, Junius Brutus, among his murderers, then he uttered his famous words with reproach: “And you, Brutus?”

Other expressions

What other quotes from Caesar have survived to this day? Here are some of them:

  • No one is so brave as not to be afraid of the unexpected.
  • Great things must be done, not thought about endlessly.
  • People willingly believe what they want to believe.


Did you like the article? Share with your friends!