The Rabbi

Goldsworthy ends with a prophecy: so fascinating is Julius Caesar that more books will follow. How few in history command such interest. As proof, I myself have read more than several biographies of Caesar in addition to stumbling through his commentaries in Latin class (what a waste not to have pursued the classical languages--how ignorant one remains who works in only one language).

For some reason I remain enthralled with the revolt of Vercingetorix and the double siege at Alesia, the Romans encircled the Gauls while another Gaulic army besieged the Roman. Who but Caesar could escape, hardly an escape but rather a complete destruction of the enemy.

The Rubicon continues to grip; just imagine the audacity, let alone the ability to carry out such ambitious plans. Yet Caesar defeats Pompey on several fronts, Spain, Greece, Egypt, and finally Africa only to be tragically assassinated five years later. What's interesting about Caesar's end lies in the motivation of the conspirators, some had long standing motives, but several could not tolerate a dictator, enlightened though he proved to be. This last tells much about man's thoughts: some desire input regardless of the ability of the leader. See psalm 2.

Goldsworthy writes readibly, I am already ordering several other of his works on ancient Rome.