--- product_id: 116896782 title: "Caesar: Life of a Colossus" price: "SAR 26" currency: SAR in_stock: false reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.com.sa/products/116896782-caesar-life-of-a-colossus store_origin: SA region: Saudi Arabia --- # Caesar: Life of a Colossus **Price:** SAR 26 **Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Caesar: Life of a Colossus - **How much does it cost?** SAR 26 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Currently out of stock - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.com.sa](https://www.desertcart.com.sa/products/116896782-caesar-life-of-a-colossus) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description This "captivating biography" of the great Roman general "puts Caesar's war exploits on full display, along with his literary genius" and more ( The New York Times ) Tracing the extraordinary trajectory of the Julius Caesar's life, Adrian Goldsworthy not only chronicles his accomplishments as charismatic orator, conquering general, and powerful dictator but also lesser-known chapters during which he was high priest of an exotic cult and captive of pirates, and rebel condemned by his own country. Goldsworthy also reveals much about Caesar's intimate life, as husband and father, and as seducer not only of Cleopatra but also of the wives of his two main political rivals. This landmark biography examines Caesar in all of these roles and places its subject firmly within the context of Roman society in the first century B.C. Goldsworthy realizes the full complexity of Caesar's character and shows why his political and military leadership continues to resonate thousands of years later. Review: Brilliantly crafted and thorough biography and history of Julius Caesar - Book Review: "Caesar: Life of a Colossus" by Adrian Goldsworthy Adrian Goldsworthy’s Caesar: Life of a Colossus is an extraordinary biography that meticulously traces the life and career of one of history’s most iconic figures, Julius Caesar. This comprehensive work deserves a five-star rating for its ability to provide a detailed and coherent understanding of Caesar's movements and actions, year by year, against the backdrop of his illustrious career. Goldsworthy’s narrative begins with Caesar’s birth in Rome in 100 BC and takes us through his early life, including his flight from Rome during Sulla’s proscriptions and his service in Asia Minor. As Caesar climbed the political ladder, Goldsworthy meticulously documented his roles as quaestor in Spain, aedile, Pontifex Maximus, praetor, and governor of Further Spain. Each step is backed by ancient sources and modern scholarship, providing a well-rounded view of Caesar’s formative years. The biography excels in its detailed recounting of the Gallic Wars (58-50 BC), where Caesar’s military genius and political acumen are vividly brought to life. Goldsworthy’s use of ancient historians like Suetonius, Plutarch, Appian, and Dio Cassius is masterful, as he cross-references their accounts to paint a comprehensive picture of Caesar’s campaigns. The descriptions of his invasions of Britain, the suppression of the Gallic revolt, and the continued campaigns to secure Gaul are rich in detail, providing a clear understanding of the complexity and scale of these military endeavors. Goldsworthy’s portrayal of the Civil War (49-45 BC) and Caesar’s subsequent dictatorship is equally compelling. Every event is meticulously documented, from the dramatic crossing of the Rubicon to the decisive battles at Pharsalus, Thapsus, and Munda. Goldsworthy’s narrative ensures readers can follow Caesar’s movements and strategies with clarity, supported by evidence from inscriptions, coinage, and archaeological findings. The book does not shy away from discussing the biases and limitations of ancient sources, highlighting the political and philosophical influences that shaped their accounts. Goldsworthy’s critical examination of these sources and modern archaeological interpretations provide a balanced and nuanced view of Caesar’s life. What makes Caesar: Life of a Colossus exceptional is its ability to synthesize historical and archaeological evidence into a coherent and engaging narrative. Goldsworthy’s scholarship allows us to understand Julius Caesar as a historical figure and a dynamic and multifaceted leader whose actions and decisions shaped the course of history. This comprehensive understanding of Caesar’s life and career is why I give this biography a five-star rating. For anyone interested in Julius Caesar's life , the politics of the late Roman Republic, or military history. Goldsworthy’s biography is an indispensable resource. It is a work that both enlightens and captivates, providing readers with a profound understanding of one of history’s greatest colossi. Review: Caesar: His Life and Times - This is the second book by Adrian Goldsworthy that I've read and once again he does not disappoint. This is a substantial biography on one of the most established figures in history. Established in the sense that people have heard the name and for the connotations the name brings forth to different people, even if they (we) have not really studied that much about Caius Julius Caesar. Goldsworthy is an excellent historian on Roman history, particularly on the military and political aspects of that once powerful city and its empire. I'm not going to recite Julius Caesar's life journey in detail, read the book for that. This is a very well-rounded and complete (as far as is probably possible) portrait of the man and the times he lived in, from his youth to his death at the hands of the conspirators in 44 BC. Regardless of what impressions you have or final judgements you make, and I agree with Goldsworthy's conclusion in that most people will probably have a mixed opinion, you can't deny his extraordinary abilities, especially in the military sphere. It was absolutely astonishing to read of the staggering casualties his army inflicted on all his various opponents from the Gallic War to the Civil War and the comparatively minor casualties his army incurred. However, these numbers, as the author mentioned, could easily be exaggerated. Caesar made mistakes, but boy did he win and win big, time after time. But in addition to his famed military prowess, Caesar was a shrewd politician. What Goldsworthy likes to stress throughout this book is that Caesar, compared to other dictators and leaders was known for his clemency. Of course this could have all been purely for calculated political purposes, but nevertheless, those who opposed Caesar fared better than say those who opposed Sulla in the previous Civil War. This is a fair point, but does not skew the fact that he could be ruthless in times of war, but as Goldsworthy believes, even that ruthlessness was not necessarily for cruelty's sake. The author is certainly trying to put Caesar in a somewhat sympathetic or more favorable light than others might, but he also admirably places Caesar within the context of the times he lived in. This biography isn't as purely focused on Caesar as some might assume it would be. Goldsworthy gives a fair amount of attention to Roman political life in this age as well, which is necessary. The turbulent times in Roman history that transpired throughout Julius Caesar's life, who some of the other players were, the changing dynamics of Roman society, and so forth are all incorporated into this fascinating and well written book. Whatever conclusions one may reach about Caesar or Roman life and its politics in general, you surely can't deny the impact this conspicuous Roman had and how that legacy continues to fascinate us today, though we are so far removed in time from that turbulent and dramatic age. There is much we don't learn in this book and most likely will never know, which is probably another reason why many people, including myself, are drawn to this period in history. A commendable book by an eminent historian and writer. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #82,591 in Kindle Store ( See Top 100 in Kindle Store ) #12 in Ancient Rome Biographies #19 in Ancient Roman History (Books) #20 in Historical Italian & Roman Biographies | ## Images ![Caesar: Life of a Colossus - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71byO6q9pnL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Media Language, Media Format** options. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Brilliantly crafted and thorough biography and history of Julius Caesar *by C***Y on September 24, 2020* Book Review: "Caesar: Life of a Colossus" by Adrian Goldsworthy Adrian Goldsworthy’s Caesar: Life of a Colossus is an extraordinary biography that meticulously traces the life and career of one of history’s most iconic figures, Julius Caesar. This comprehensive work deserves a five-star rating for its ability to provide a detailed and coherent understanding of Caesar's movements and actions, year by year, against the backdrop of his illustrious career. Goldsworthy’s narrative begins with Caesar’s birth in Rome in 100 BC and takes us through his early life, including his flight from Rome during Sulla’s proscriptions and his service in Asia Minor. As Caesar climbed the political ladder, Goldsworthy meticulously documented his roles as quaestor in Spain, aedile, Pontifex Maximus, praetor, and governor of Further Spain. Each step is backed by ancient sources and modern scholarship, providing a well-rounded view of Caesar’s formative years. The biography excels in its detailed recounting of the Gallic Wars (58-50 BC), where Caesar’s military genius and political acumen are vividly brought to life. Goldsworthy’s use of ancient historians like Suetonius, Plutarch, Appian, and Dio Cassius is masterful, as he cross-references their accounts to paint a comprehensive picture of Caesar’s campaigns. The descriptions of his invasions of Britain, the suppression of the Gallic revolt, and the continued campaigns to secure Gaul are rich in detail, providing a clear understanding of the complexity and scale of these military endeavors. Goldsworthy’s portrayal of the Civil War (49-45 BC) and Caesar’s subsequent dictatorship is equally compelling. Every event is meticulously documented, from the dramatic crossing of the Rubicon to the decisive battles at Pharsalus, Thapsus, and Munda. Goldsworthy’s narrative ensures readers can follow Caesar’s movements and strategies with clarity, supported by evidence from inscriptions, coinage, and archaeological findings. The book does not shy away from discussing the biases and limitations of ancient sources, highlighting the political and philosophical influences that shaped their accounts. Goldsworthy’s critical examination of these sources and modern archaeological interpretations provide a balanced and nuanced view of Caesar’s life. What makes Caesar: Life of a Colossus exceptional is its ability to synthesize historical and archaeological evidence into a coherent and engaging narrative. Goldsworthy’s scholarship allows us to understand Julius Caesar as a historical figure and a dynamic and multifaceted leader whose actions and decisions shaped the course of history. This comprehensive understanding of Caesar’s life and career is why I give this biography a five-star rating. For anyone interested in Julius Caesar's life , the politics of the late Roman Republic, or military history. Goldsworthy’s biography is an indispensable resource. It is a work that both enlightens and captivates, providing readers with a profound understanding of one of history’s greatest colossi. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Caesar: His Life and Times *by D***Y on March 20, 2007* This is the second book by Adrian Goldsworthy that I've read and once again he does not disappoint. This is a substantial biography on one of the most established figures in history. Established in the sense that people have heard the name and for the connotations the name brings forth to different people, even if they (we) have not really studied that much about Caius Julius Caesar. Goldsworthy is an excellent historian on Roman history, particularly on the military and political aspects of that once powerful city and its empire. I'm not going to recite Julius Caesar's life journey in detail, read the book for that. This is a very well-rounded and complete (as far as is probably possible) portrait of the man and the times he lived in, from his youth to his death at the hands of the conspirators in 44 BC. Regardless of what impressions you have or final judgements you make, and I agree with Goldsworthy's conclusion in that most people will probably have a mixed opinion, you can't deny his extraordinary abilities, especially in the military sphere. It was absolutely astonishing to read of the staggering casualties his army inflicted on all his various opponents from the Gallic War to the Civil War and the comparatively minor casualties his army incurred. However, these numbers, as the author mentioned, could easily be exaggerated. Caesar made mistakes, but boy did he win and win big, time after time. But in addition to his famed military prowess, Caesar was a shrewd politician. What Goldsworthy likes to stress throughout this book is that Caesar, compared to other dictators and leaders was known for his clemency. Of course this could have all been purely for calculated political purposes, but nevertheless, those who opposed Caesar fared better than say those who opposed Sulla in the previous Civil War. This is a fair point, but does not skew the fact that he could be ruthless in times of war, but as Goldsworthy believes, even that ruthlessness was not necessarily for cruelty's sake. The author is certainly trying to put Caesar in a somewhat sympathetic or more favorable light than others might, but he also admirably places Caesar within the context of the times he lived in. This biography isn't as purely focused on Caesar as some might assume it would be. Goldsworthy gives a fair amount of attention to Roman political life in this age as well, which is necessary. The turbulent times in Roman history that transpired throughout Julius Caesar's life, who some of the other players were, the changing dynamics of Roman society, and so forth are all incorporated into this fascinating and well written book. Whatever conclusions one may reach about Caesar or Roman life and its politics in general, you surely can't deny the impact this conspicuous Roman had and how that legacy continues to fascinate us today, though we are so far removed in time from that turbulent and dramatic age. There is much we don't learn in this book and most likely will never know, which is probably another reason why many people, including myself, are drawn to this period in history. A commendable book by an eminent historian and writer. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Complete History, just a little uneven *by J***S on December 25, 2011* Goldsworthy is an apt writer, not at the levels of the masters but very readable. His Caesar is complete and well organized. The three main sections are almost the same length: "Rise to Consulship", "Proconsul" (which covers mainly the Gaul and British campaigns) and "Civil War and Dictatorship". This gives you an idea of the scope and depth of each section. The first part is very good indeed. It discusses a lot of background and the setting for Caesar's early life. Inevitably there's a lot of guessing of the future Dictator's actions, but it is a complete account of the rise of Caesar and the one I enjoyed the most. The second part (the Gaul and British campaigns) is much less successful, with a tendency towards pure description. It is too long compared with the rest of the book and has a lot of unnecessary detail that doesn't engage the reader. The final section ("Civil War and Dictatorship") could be a complete book on it's own. One misses in Goldsworthy more detail and explanation of the political implications of everything that's happening. For instance, he rushes through the process when Caesar is named Dictator for life, and doesn't explain how the political process evolved to that. Compared to the amount of details of the second part, this is a bit disappointing. It's an entertaining book and one learns a lot from it, but don't expect great insight or fantastic writing and storytelling. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.com.sa/products/116896782-caesar-life-of-a-colossus](https://www.desertcart.com.sa/products/116896782-caesar-life-of-a-colossus) --- *Product available on Desertcart Saudi Arabia* *Store origin: SA* *Last updated: 2026-10-17*