Gaius Julius Caesar (July 12 or 13, 100 BCE – March 15, 44 BCE), a towering figure of ancient history, was an accomplished Roman general, statesman, and author. His incisive military campaigns expanded the Roman Republic's dominion and his political maneuvers precipitated its transformation into the Roman Empire. His commentaries on the Gallic Wars ('Commentarii de Bello Gallico') and the Civil War ('Commentarii de Bello Civili') are not only treasured historical accounts but also exemplary pieces of Latin prose. 'The African War' ('De Bello Africo'), traditionally attributed to Caesar, is an intricate account of his campaign in North Africa, although scholarly consensus raises speculation about its provenance, with some attributing the work to an officer under Caesar, such as Aulus Hirtius. Caesar's literary style is noted for its clarity, succinctness, and commentary on military strategy and diplomacy, exemplary of the 'commentarii' genre – a forthright, factual report typical of Roman authorship. Caesar's life, marked by ambition and controversy, ended with his assassination, which ultimately catalyzed the downfall of the Roman Republic. His writings offer an invaluable glimpse into the political and military machinations of Rome and contribute to the collective understanding of this epical era in history.