Julius Caesar: Kidnapped by Pirates

An exceprt from Philip Freeman's "Julius Caesar" relating when Caesar was capture by pirates.


The book mentioned:

http://www.amazon.com/Julius-Caesar-Philip-Freeman/dp/0743289536

Wikipedia article on Caesar:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Caesar

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Julius Caesar
• Caesar
• Roman History
• Roman Empire
• Roman Republic

[Sanuces1804]

There is another aspect of Caesar's adventure that deserves consideration. When Caesar's mercenaries arrived at the pirate camp, they found that several additional pirate gangs had joined the original group of kidnappers. They had come to Pharmacusa to celebrate the taking of Caesar's ransom. Caesar decied that all the pirates should be arrested and transported to prison. Do you feel that young Caesar was justified in having all the men taken, not just those responsible for his kidnapping?

[wainscottbl]

@Sanuces1804

Well, I think yes, given piracy was and should be a capital offense.

[Sanuces1804]

Caesar was not afraid because he realized that the pirates would endure any amount of insult in order to get possession of his large ransom. They thought his threat of crucifixion was "funny" because he was only one young and naive Roman. Caesar wanted the pirates to believe his behavior was funny, becaue it would allow him to later catch them off guard. Once caught, the pirates were transported to Asia's central criminal prison and executed. Still funny? Or brilliant military strategy?

[wainscottbl]

@Sanuces1804

Both.

Interesting, too, you made your comment on this just now on the Ides of March. 3 hours ago. If you are central time or earlier (US time zones, maybe you are not use), that is. For me we are 4 hours out. I am posting a couple videos on the matter right now in fact. I was busy on the Ides, so I was not able to post them then, but anyway.

[Sanuces1804]

How can you possibly find this a "funny story," when the conclusion involves crucifixion? The pirates thought that they were conducting a routine business transaction when they required that young Caesar pay a ransom; however, this transaction ultimately led to their execution. Admittedly, the episode presents Caesar's dramatic "turning of the tables" on the pirates, but how is it humorous?

[wainscottbl]

@Sanuces1804

I just mentioned the crucifixion becuase in all his insulting them, he told them he would do so. The crucifixions, while just, were not funny. What was funny was how instead of being afraid like most, he mocked his captors, read and wrote poetry for them, and insulted them. Told them to shut up. I find that funny.

[Marcion2]

Caesar was not concerned with how well the pirates had treated him. Also, the pirates' act of kidnapping was not exactly "treating him well." After his successful raid of the pirate camp, Caesar ensured that the prisoners were subject to Roman military procedures--which included crucifixion for violent criminals who were non-citizens.