Julius Caesar was a Roman politician and military general who lived from 100 BC to 44 BC. He rose to power through a series of military conquests, including the Gallic Wars, and became the dictator of Rome in 44 BC. He is known for his reforms, including the Julian calendar and the establishment of the Roman Empire. However, his rule was controversial and he faced opposition from those who believed he was becoming too powerful. He was assassinated by a group of senators in 44 BC, sparking a period of instability in Rome known as the Roman Civil War. Caesar's legacy has had a lasting impact on Western civilization and he is still widely studied and discussed today.