Julius Caesar
It is almost impossible to visit Europe and not see the impact of the Roman civilization. Ruins, roads, bridges, coliseums, and villas litter the landscape. History, civics, and poetry from the Roman era have also affected Western culture and language as well. Today, people know of many influential and famous Romans, but Julius Caesar is by far the most well known among them.
During Caesar’s youth, Rome was in great turmoil. Lucius Cornelius Sulla had conquered the city of Rome and declared himself dictator for life. His gangs of legionnaires roamed the streets and murdered his political opponents, many of whom were followers of Caesar’s uncle. Sulla forced Caesar to go into hiding, so he joined the army and learned the ways of a soldier.
Caesar found no security in the army. Rome was constantly at war with barbarian tribes and other kingdoms, and Caesar saw his fair share of battle. He served with distinction and won great honors. When Caesar learned of Sulla’s death, he returned to Rome and began a career in politics. He used his position to right the wrongs done during Sulla’s reign as dictator, calling to justice many of the men who profited from Sulla’s corruption.
When Caesar marched his legions north into the area of modern-day France and Belgium, he catalogued his observations of daily Celtic life. He recorded disputes and stories, histories and mythology. He commented on Celtic law and government in addition to reports of his battles against the tribes. Scholars today understand much about that ancient society from Caesar’s writings on Gaul.
After the Senate elected Caesar ruler for life, he enacted many reforms that benefited the common people of Rome. He passed laws that redistributed wealth to those in need. At that time, slaves took most of the jobs, so free Romans had trouble finding work. Caesar changed this. He ordered that rich Romans employ a certain number of freed men to work on their farms and factories. Caesar also increased the number of Senators and lowered the level of social class required for a Roman to become a senator.
On March 15, 44 B.C., a group of senators assassinated Caesar on the floor of the Senate. This act cast Rome into a civil war between the supporters of Caesar and those of his assassins. Caesar’s successor Augustus was able to overcome his opponents after many years of war. Augustus restored Rome to a long period of peace and prosperity.
5
Which sentence from the article offers support for the thesis, "Today, people know of many influential and famous Romans, but Julius Caesar is by far the most well known among them"?
A.
"Lucius Cornelius Sulla had conquered the city of Rome and declared himself dictator for life."
B.
"Caesar's successor Augustus was able to overcome his opponents after many years of war."
C.
"Sulla forced Caesar to go into hiding, so he joined the army and learned the ways of a soldier."
D.
"Scholars today understand much about that ancient society from Caesar's writings on Gaul."