Dark History: Episode 166 - The Shocking Sex Scandals Behind This Infamous Dictator

Hosted by Bailey Sarian, Audioboom Studios

Introduction

In Episode 166 of Dark History, titled "The Shocking Sex Scandals Behind This Infamous Dictator", Bailey Sarian delves into the lesser-known personal life of Julius Caesar. Moving beyond his military conquests and political maneuvers, Bailey explores the tumultuous and scandalous aspects of Caesar's life that are seldom discussed in traditional historical narratives.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Bailey begins by outlining Julius Caesar's early life, born Gaius Julius Caesar on July 13, 100 BC, into a wealthy and politically connected family. At the age of 15, following his father's death, young Caesar assumed leadership of his household, a responsibility he handled with notable confidence and ambition.

[05:30] Bailey Sarian: "Caesar was always super confident and outspoken. As the son of a powerful politician, he knew he was expected to follow in daddy's footsteps."

His arranged marriage to Cornelia, the daughter of the powerful ruler Cinna, was a strategic move to bolster his political standing. This union, while politically advantageous, was fraught with tension as Caesar's natural inclinations clashed with his priestly duties.

Struggles Under Sulla's Domination

Caesar's early political career faced significant challenges under the tyrannical rule of Sulla. Sulla's brutal tactics included public lists of enemies, leading to violence and fear within Rome. When Sulla demanded Caesar divorce Cornelia, Caesar's defiance marked the beginning of his resistance against oppressive rule.

[15:45] Bailey Sarian: "Sulla was like, well, I'm gonna fuck with Caesar anyways. Cause I'm bored."

Caesar's temporary exile from Rome, facilitated by his family's influence, allowed him to regroup and return stronger after Sulla's purge of his family's supporters. Upon his return, Caesar's flamboyant personality and distinctive fashion set him apart in a society that valued traditional masculinity and stoicism.

Caesar the Dandy: Fashion and Reputation

Caesar earned the nickname "the dandy" due to his extravagant attire and attention to personal grooming, which was unconventional for Roman men of his time. His unique sense of style, including custom-made garments and a notable comb-over to mask his balding, made him a target of ridicule and scorn.

[25:10] Bailey Sarian: "Caesar wanted to look fabulous. Have you seen his clothes? He loved fashion."

Despite societal disapproval, Caesar's disregard for traditional norms and his pursuit of personal excellence contributed to his growing popularity among the Roman populace, who admired his confidence and charisma.

Sexual Scandals and Political Manipulation

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Caesar's notorious sexual exploits, particularly his affairs with married women, including the wives of influential politicians. These relationships not only fueled rumors but also served as a means for Caesar to undermine his rivals and consolidate power.

[35:20] Bailey Sarian: "Caesar was known to have sex with married women, specifically the wives of politicians he worked with."

One of his most consequential relationships was with Servilia, the sister of his rival, Cato. This affair intensified the animosity between Caesar and Cato, ultimately leading to political confrontations that further destabilized the Roman Republic.

Military Campaigns and the Gallic Wars

Bailey narrates Caesar's ambitious military campaigns, highlighting his strategic brilliance and relentless pursuit of power. The episode covers his rapid succession of military victories during the Gallic Wars, which solidified his reputation as a formidable military leader and expanded his influence across the Roman Empire.

[45:00] Bailey Sarian: "Caesar fought more battles than any Roman general in history, winning most of them."

However, these successes were not solely driven by a desire to protect Rome but also by Caesar's personal debts and quest for wealth, leading to the exploitation and suffering of countless individuals in conquered territories.

Rivalry with Pompey and the Road to Dictatorship

The rivalry between Julius Caesar and Pompey is meticulously examined, detailing the political and military maneuvers that led to Caesar's ascendancy. Despite Pompey's initial superiority, Caesar's cunning strategies enabled him to outmaneuver his rival, culminating in Pompey's dramatic assassination by Caesar's men in Egypt.

[55:30] Bailey Sarian: "When Pompey arrived in Egypt, his men stabbed him and presented his head to Caesar. Caesar was devastated."

Caesar's eventual return to Rome saw him named dictator for life, a title that effectively dismantled the checks and balances of the Roman Republic and paved the way for his autocratic rule.

Assassination and Legacy

The episode reaches its climax with the infamous assassination of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March, 44 BC. Bailey recounts the conspiracy led by Senators like Brutus and Casca, who sought to restore the Republic by eliminating Caesar's tyrannical control.

[65:15] Bailey Sarian: "As they stabbed him, Caesar fought until the end, but it was a 20 against one battle he couldn't win."

The dramatic betrayal, famously dramatized in Shakespeare's works, underscores the complex interplay of personal vendettas and political ideology that led to Caesar's downfall. Bailey dispels some myths, highlighting that many of the popular narratives around Caesar's last words and final moments are theatrical embellishments rather than historical facts.

Conclusion

Bailey Sarian wraps up the episode by reflecting on Julius Caesar's multifaceted legacy. He was a man of immense ambition and charisma, whose personal vices and political ambitions ultimately led to his demise. The episode posits that Caesar's life exemplifies the dark side of unchecked power and the inevitable downfall that accompanies ruthless ambition.

[75:50] Bailey Sarian: "Throughout history, there's always been a man who thinks he's doing great things for the greater good but ends up causing chaos and destruction."

Bailey leaves listeners pondering whether Caesar truly deserved his fate and the lasting impact of his actions on the Roman Empire and historical discourse.

Notable Quotes

• [05:30] "Caesar was always super confident and outspoken."
• [15:45] "Sulla was like, well, I'm gonna fuck with Caesar anyways. Cause I'm bored."
• [25:10] "Caesar wanted to look fabulous. Have you seen his clothes? He loved fashion."
• [35:20] "Caesar was known to have sex with married women, specifically the wives of politicians he worked with."
• [45:00] "Caesar fought more battles than any Roman general in history, winning most of them."
• [55:30] "When Pompey arrived in Egypt, his men stabbed him and presented his head to Caesar. Caesar was devastated."
• [65:15] "As they stabbed him, Caesar fought until the end, but it was a 20 against one battle he couldn't win."
• [75:50] "Throughout history, there's always been a man who thinks he's doing great things for the greater good but ends up causing chaos and destruction."

Final Thoughts

Episode 166 of Dark History provides a compelling exploration of Julius Caesar's personal scandals and their intersection with his political and military endeavors. By humanizing this iconic figure, Bailey Sarian offers listeners a nuanced perspective on the complexities of power, ambition, and legacy in ancient Rome.

For those intrigued by Caesar's tumultuous life and its far-reaching implications, this episode serves as a captivating addition to the Dark History series, reinforcing the notion that the past is rife with dramatic and often shocking tales that shape our understanding of history.