Explanation: In his youth, Caesar was captured by pirates on the Mediterranean sea. This was not uncommon at the time, as the piracy problem in the Mediterranean would not be solved for another decade. Caesar, however, showed his… unusual character throughout his captivity.
First, when he heard how much money they were demanding for him, he told them to ask for more. This is actually not as senseless as it seems - by having a higher ransom paid for his release, Caesar becomes more notable and valuable for the sacrifice made on his behalf (assuming, of course, that the ransom IS paid). 20 Talents of silver is around 620 kg/1370 pounds of silver. 50 Talents, thus, is around 1550 kg/3417 lbs. Quite a sum!
Second, during his captivity he actually befriended the pirates, joking with them, bossing them around as a Roman nobleman might boss around subordinates, demanding they be quiet as he tried to sleep, and composed speeches and poetry which he demanded they listen to (and called them uncultured when they failed to fully appreciate it). The pirates, rather than being upset at this behavior, found it amusing, which speaks, I think, to the odd charisma of Caesar’s character, and the value of being bold.
Third, one of the ‘jokes’ he made with the pirates was that when it was all done and over with, he promised to have them all crucified - the usual punishment for piracy. They found this very amusing, as Caesar was, at the time, just a young man from a wealthy family, not a notable soldier or politician. The thing is, after his ransom was paid and he was released, Caesar raised a force, captured the pirates, and then promptly had them crucified. However, as they had indulged him during his captivity, he had their throats cut first (a very quick and merciful death compared to dying on a cross), so really the crucifixion was just a formality to fulfill his promise.
The story is a very strange mix of brilliance, charisma, and arrogance. It fits Caesar very well, I think.
First time I have heard he had throats cut first. It’s an interesting detail that changes my understanding of him if it’s true.
Suetonius:
74 Even in avenging wrongs he was by nature most merciful, and when he got hold of the pirates who had captured him, he had them crucified, since he had sworn beforehand that he would do so, but ordered that their throats be cut first.
https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Julius*.html
Caesar was capable of great callousness, but you don’t see him engage in casual or impulsive cruelty or blow his top like some other historical figures. He was in general a very calculating fellow, and very attentive to his reputation. Furthermore, reciprocity was highly valued in the Classical world, and it’s likely that Caesar felt obliged to show some form of lenience since the pirates had humored him while he was a captive.
Just wanted to stop by and say thank you for your detailed explanation. It inspired me to start reading a book about Caesar!
Hearing that I successfully stoked a little interest in the historical topic du jour really makes my day!
I hope you’ve watched ROME in your lifetime because it is brilliant and still my favorite dramatization of Caesar
Ciarán Hinds absolutely kills it as Caesar. “HE WAS A CONSUL OF ROME!”
Are you telling me that that one episode of Xena the warrior princess is based on a real historical fact? I am speechless.
Caesars big dick energy knew no limits
