Julius Caesar's Perspective on Caesarion’s Death and the Politics of Legacy

Julius Caesar's complex response to Augustus Octavian's decision to eliminate Caesarion would be shaped profoundly by the historical context, his personal ambitions, and the intricate political landscape of his time.

Legacy and Succession

Legacy and Succession: Julius Caesar adopted Octavian as his heir, intending for him to carry forward his legacy. The removal of Caesarion, recognized as Caesar's biological son, might be seen by Julius Caesar as a betrayal of his intentions. He might have preferred a more inclusive approach to leadership, recognizing both his adopted son and his biological offspring.

Political Strategy

Political Strategy: As a shrewd politician, Julius Caesar would understand the political motivations behind Augustus' actions. By eliminating Caesarion, Augustus could solidify his position and eliminate a rival claim to power. Caesar may recognize this as a necessary, albeit ruthless, political maneuver necessary for securing his legacy.

Personal Feelings

Personal Feelings: On a personal level, if Julius Caesar had any affection for Caesarion, he may have felt a sense of loss or anger at Augustus for killing him. This could lead to a perception of Augustus as overly ambitious or ruthless, traits that Caesar himself exhibited, preferring to channel them differently. The question of whether Caesar would view these characteristics constructively or critically is a fascinating point of ethical and personal examination.

Imperial Vision

Imperial Vision: Caesar had grand visions for Rome, including expanding and consolidating power. He likely saw the need for a strong leader and might ultimately have supported Augustus' consolidation of power, albeit with reservations about the methods employed. This perspective aligns with Caesar’s ultimate goal of maintaining a lasting legacy.

The Circumspect View of Caesar

The Circumspect View of Caesar: While Julius Caesar was anxious to solidify his legacy over the Republic, he would have had to reconcile his ambitions with Roman traditions and the public’s acceptance. Despite his supremacy, he could only defy Roman norms for so long before risking backlash. Caesar famously declined a symbolic crown at the Feast of the Lupercalia to avoid public scrutiny.

Given his fathering of a child with a foreign queen and his personal and political priorities, Julius Caesar would have found it difficult to acknowledge Caesarion as his own. Roman law and public opinion would not recognize children born to foreign queens, and the political considerations would weigh heavily against such an acknowledgment.

Julius Caesar, ever aware of political realities, would have fully understood the context of something like the assassination of his illegitimate son by his adoptive son as a matter of political necessity. Caesar's choice of Octavian as his heir was not made lightly. He was aware that Octavian was the last surviving male in his family, who had the potential to secure his legacy. Through Octavian, Caesar's name would endure, and the term 'Caesar' would become synonymous with power and glory.

The Lasting Legacy

The Lasting Legacy: The choice to make Octavian his heir was calculated to pay dividends to his legacy. Octavian’s aptitude for philosophy, literature, and his intuitive understanding of the political landscape were proven capable. It was through Octavian that Caesar’s name would endure and, through Octavian's heirs, the term 'Caesar' would denote power and glory for all coming time.

Despite the complexities and ethical considerations, Julius Caesar's perspective on Augustus' actions would likely be a blend of recognition of necessity and personal disappointment. The nobility and pragmatism that Caesar exhibited in his other decisions would undoubtedly shape how he viewed this particular act.