| The Puzzle of Caesar |
Sketch by Colleen McCullough in her novel, CAESAR'S WOMEN
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Sketch by Colleen McCullough in her novel, CAESAR'S WOMEN |
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Aurelia, mother of Gaius Julius Caesar, came from a wealthy patrician family. When asked what she wanted to do with her dowry, Aurelia announced that she would buy an apartment house, live in it, manage it, and raise her family while her husband was away with the military. Such a decision was shocking to the patricians of Rome! Beautiful, often called the “Helen of Troy” of Rome, Aurelia was a no-nonsense woman who did not coddle her son. Raised with love and great discipline, Caesar knew that his mother was wise and he relied on her as one of his best advisors throughout her life. When Caesar began his career in politics, Aurelia told him to “sleep with the wives of your enemies.” Such advice was to prove invaluable to him in his career – he always knew what his male enemies were thinking. |