One of the greatest military commanders in history, Julius Caesar's most famous campaign -- the conquest of Gaul - was to him little more than a stepping stone to power. An audacious and decisive general, his victories over the Gauls allowed him to challenge for the political leadership of Rome. Leading a single legion across the Rubicon in 49 BC, Caesar launched a civil war that would signal the end of the Roman Republic and usher in the Roman Empire under his adopted son, Octavian. This study looks at the factors behind Caesar's numerous battlefield successes, notably the famous Caesariana celeritas -Caesar's speed of thought and action. --Book Jacket.

Introduction -- The early years -- The military life -- The hour of destiny -- Opposing commanders -- When war is done -- Inside the mind -- A life in words.