What are two new things you learned about Caesar that were not in the previous biography?

To provide a well-rounded answer regarding Julius Caesar beyond typical biographies, here are two intriguing aspects that often go unnoticed:

1. Culinary Influence: While most biographies discuss Caesar’s military and political achievements, few highlight his impact on Roman culinary practices. Caesar was known for his lavish feasts and displayed a taste for exotic foods, which led to the incorporation of various ingredients in Roman cooking. This blend of cultures brought forth a culinary evolution, influencing the dining habits of the elite and the common populace alike.

2. Innovative Reforms: Beyond his well-documented military and political strategies, Caesar introduced significant reforms to the calendar system. In 46 BC, he implemented the Julian calendar, which added an extra day every four years (leap year) and synchronized the calendar year with the solar year. This reform not only changed timekeeping in Rome but also laid the groundwork for the modern calendar system used today.

These nuanced elements of Caesar’s life reflect his multifaceted influence on society, extending far beyond his conquests and political maneuvers.