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Caesar facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The word Caesar or Cæsar can mean a few different things. Most famously, it refers to Julius Caesar, a very important Roman general and leader from ancient times. But the name "Caesar" also became a special title for Roman emperors, and it's even used in names for food, drinks, and places today!

Who Was Caesar?

Caesar as a Title

In ancient Rome, "Caesar" started as a family name. But after the famous Julius Caesar, it became a special title. It was used by Roman emperors, like a royal name. This title is also related to words like "Tsar" (used by Russian emperors) and "Kaiser" (used by German emperors).

The Famous Julius Caesar

Gaius Julius Caesar (born in 100 BC, died in 44 BC) was a powerful Roman general and a dictator. A dictator in ancient Rome was a leader given absolute power, usually for a short time, to solve a big problem. Julius Caesar was a brilliant military leader who greatly expanded the Roman Republic. His actions changed Roman history forever.

His story has inspired many works, including:

  • Julius Caesar (play), a famous play by William Shakespeare.
  • Julius Caesar (mini), a TV mini-series from 2002 about his life.

His Family and Legacy

Julius Caesar came from an important Roman family called the Julii Caesares.

  • His father was Gaius Julius Caesar (proconsul of Asia, 90s BC).
  • After Julius Caesar died, his nephew and adopted son, Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, became the first Roman Emperor. He continued Caesar's legacy and built a powerful empire.

Caesar in Modern Culture

The name "Caesar" is still used today in many ways, often linked to power or luxury.

Food and Drink

  • The Caesar salad is a popular salad. It was named after Caesar Cardini, who created it.
  • The Caesar (cocktail) is a drink made with vodka and Clamato. It is very popular in Canada.
  • Little Caesars is a well-known pizza restaurant chain.

Entertainment and Places

  • Caesars Palace is a famous hotel and casino resort. It is known for its Roman-themed design.
  • Caesars Windsor is another casino located in Windsor, Canada.

Caesar in Science

The name "Caesar" also appears in scientific terms.

Secret Codes

  • The Caesar cipher is a simple way to make secret codes. Julius Caesar himself used this method to send secret messages during his military campaigns. It works by shifting letters in the alphabet.

Medical Procedures

  • A Caesarean section is a surgical procedure. It is used to deliver a baby when a normal birth is difficult or unsafe.

Images for kids

  • Marius Glyptothek Munich 319

    Gaius Marius, Caesar's uncle

  • Sulla Glyptothek Munich 309

    Dictator Lucius Cornelius Sulla stripped Caesar of the priesthood.

  • RSC 0022 - transparent background

    A denarius depicting Julius Caesar, dated to February–March 44 BC—the goddess Venus is shown on the reverse, holding Victoria and a scepter. Caption: CAESAR IMP. M. / L. AEMILIVS BVCA

  • RomanRepublic40BC

    The extent of the Roman Republic in 40 BC after Caesar's conquests

  • Siege-alesia-vercingetorix-jules-cesar

    Vercingetorix throws down his arms at the feet of Julius Caesar, painting by Lionel Royer. Musée Crozatier, Le Puy-en-Velay, France.

  • Pompey the Great, Augustean copy of a 70-60 BC original, Venice Museo Archeologico Nazionale (22205132751)

    A Roman bust of Pompey the Great made during the reign of Augustus (27 BC–14 AD), a copy of an original bust from 70 to 60 BC, Venice National Archaeological Museum, Italy.

  • Venus and Cupid from the House of Marcus Fabius Rufus at Pompeii, most likely a depiction of Cleopatra VII

    This mid-1st-century-BC Roman wall painting in Pompeii is probably a depiction of Cleopatra VII as Venus Genetrix, with her son Caesarion as Cupid. Its owner Marcus Fabius Rufus most likely ordered its concealment behind a wall in reaction to the execution of Caesarion on orders of Octavian in 30 BC.

  • Caesar-Altes-Museum-Berlin

    Green Caesar, posthumous portrait of the 1st century AD, Altes Museum, Berlin

  • Roma-Statua di cesare

    Statue of Julius Caesar, Via dei Fori Imperiali, Rome

  • Jean-Léon Gérôme - The Death of Caesar - Walters 37884

    The Death of Caesar, Jean-Léon Gérôme, 1867

  • M Antonius

    Bust of Mark Antony made during the Flavian dynasty (69–96 AD)

  • Marc Antony's Oration at Caesar's Funeral by George Edward Robertson

    Marc Antony's Oration at Caesar's Funeral by George Edward Robertson

  • Augustus Statue

    Gaius Julius Caesar Octavianus, Caesar's adopted heir

  • Denderah3 Cleopatra Cesarion

    Reliefs of Cleopatra and her son by Julius Caesar, Caesarion, at the Temple of Dendera

  • Commentarii de Bello Gallico

    A 1783 edition of The Gallic Wars

  • Julius Caesar's crematorium

    Flowers placed on the remains of the altar of Caesar in the Roman Forum of Rome, Italy

  • Giulio-cesare-enhanced 1-800x1450

    Bust in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples

  • Rimini083

    Modern bronze statue of Julius Caesar, Rimini, Italy

  • Portrait of Julius Caesar (1st cent. B.C.) at the Archaeological Museum of Sparta on 15 May 2019

    Portrait at the Archaeological Museum of Sparta

  • Porta palatina, statue

    Bronze statue at the Porta Palatina in Turin

  • Portrait head of Julius Caesar (1st cent. A.D.) at the Archaeological Museum of Corinth on 10 January 2020

    Bust in the Archaeological Museum of Corinth

  • Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BC)

    Bust in Naples National Archaeological Museum, photograph published in 1902

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Julio César para niños

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