Julius Caesar: Honors, Reforms, and Power

In 45 BC, returning to Italy, Octavian was declared Caesar's heir.

Return to Italy and Early Honors

Games were held in April in honor of Caesar. Caesar, dressed in ceremonial attire, was honored with symbols of victory: purple robes (recalling the old kings of Rome) and a laurel crown. He was awarded the title of Imperator by right. His ivory statue was featured in religious processions. In a temple of Quirinus, a statue of Caesar was placed with the inscription 'Invincible God'. Quirinus, or Romulus, was the first king and founder of the city. Thus, Caesar was not only linked to God but also to the kings. On the Capitoline Hill, statues of ancient figures, including Lucius Junius Brutus and Lucius Tarquinius Superbus (the king who was expelled), were placed. Furthermore, Caesar's image was placed on coins. For the first time, the image of a living person appeared on Roman coins.

Senate Honors and Calendar Reform

Upon completing his fourth consulship, Caesar appointed Quintus Fabius Maximus and Gaius Trebonius as suffect consuls, bypassing the usual selection process. The Senate, however, granted him further honors: the title of Liberator, the right to sit anywhere he wished, the power to appoint magistrates, control over all legions... His birth month, Quintilis, was renamed Julius (July) in his honor. In honor of his family, a temple was dedicated.

Social and Urban Improvements

However, Caesar's actions aimed to solve various problems facing the Republic. Citizens aged between 20 and 40 were prohibited from being outside Italy for more than three years. This measure aimed to maintain the Italian population within Italy and potentially curb corruption abroad. Severe penalties were enacted for violent crimes, including potential confiscation of assets. A quarter of all debt was canceled, earning him greater admiration from ordinary people. Prostitution was regulated by the state. Land was provided for veterans, both in Italy and in colonies abroad.

He reformed the calendar. It was set to 365 days, with an extra day every four years (a leap year). (This Julian calendar was later modified by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582, creating the present calendar). To implement this, the year 46 BC was extended to 445 days.

In addition, Rome itself was restored. The city was transformed from brick to marble. New public buildings were constructed, including a forum and market. As well as the first public library, planned under the direction of Varro. He left the old Senate House, the Curia Hostilia, and a new one, the Curia Julia, was built. The city's pomerium (sacred boundary) was expanded to allow for growth.

Accumulation of Power and Conspiracy

According to Plutarch, Caesar privately asked the Senate to reduce the honors bestowed upon him, but they did not, perhaps to avoid appearing ungrateful. He was awarded the title Pater Patriae (Father of the Country) and appointed dictator, initially for 10 years. The idea of kingship was discussed, but Caesar rejected the title of King. The accumulation of titles and honors deepened the rift between Caesar and the aristocrats. A conspiracy began to form.