Outside of the Imperial family, the last of the Julii known to have borne the surname of Caesar was Lucius Julius Caesar, who had been consul in 64 BC, and who was still living in 40 BC. When Hadrian adopted Aelius Verus, he allowed the latter to take the title of Caesar and from this time, though the title of Augustus continued to be confined to the reigning prince, that of Caesar was also granted to the second person in the state and the heir presumptive to the throne. It continued to be used by Caligula, Claudius, and Nero, as members either by adoption or female descent of Caesar's family but though the family became extinct with Nero, succeeding emperors still retained it as part of their titles, and it was the practice to prefix it to their own name, as for instance, Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus. With respect to the first, which was the one adopted, says Spartianus, by the most learned men, it is impossible to disprove it absolutely, as we know next to nothing of the ancient Moorish language but it has no inherent probability in it and the statement of Servius is undoubtedly false, that the grandfather of the dictator obtained the surname on account of killing an elephant with his own hand in Africa, as there were several of the Julii with this name before his time.Īn inquiry into the etymology of this name is of some interest, as no other name has ever obtained such celebrity - 'clarum et duraturum cum aeternitate mundi nomen.' It was assumed by Augustus as the adopted son of the dictator, and was by Augustus handed down to his adopted son Tiberius. The second opinion, which seems to have been the most popular one with the ancient writers, arose without doubt from a false etymology. Caesar and caesaries are both probably connected with the Sanskrit kêsa, 'hair', and it is quite in accordance with the Roman custom for a surname to be given to an individual from some peculiarity in his personal appearance. Of these opinions the third, which is also given by Festus, seems to come nearest the truth. Because he had azure-colored ( caesii) eyes of an almost supernatural kind.

Because he had been born with a great quantity of hair ( caesaries) on his head or.

That it was given to one of the Julii because he had been cut ( caesus) out of his mother's womb after her death or.

That the word signified an elephant in the language of the Moors, and was given as a surname to one of the Julii because he had killed an elephant.

Spartianus, in his life of Aelius Verus, mentions four different opinions respecting its origin: The origin of the name is equally uncertain.

It is uncertain which member of the Julia gens first obtained the surname of Caesar, but the first who occurs in history is Sextus Julius Caesar, praetor in BC 208. The Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology says this of the cognomen Caesar: On the assumption that the Caesares were descended from earlier notable families of the Julia gens, some scholars have suggested that he was the son of Lucius Julius Libo, consul in 267 BC. n.', we know that his father was named Lucius, but precisely who this Lucius was and whether he bore the surname Caesar is uncertain. From the filiation of his son, Sextus, 'Sex. When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better.The first of the Julii Caesares to appear in history was Sextus Julius Caesar, praetor in Sicily in 208 BC. However, despite our best efforts, we sometimes miss the mark. Our editors are instructed to fact check thoroughly, including finding at least three references for each fact. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. Please submit feedback to Thanks for your time!ĭo you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? At Factinate, we’re dedicated to getting things right. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from “Life” to “Compact Cars and Trucks” to “A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius.” We’ll get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics you’re interested in. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? We’re always looking for your input! Please reach out to us to let us know what you’re interested in reading.

Gaius julius caesar descendants