Heroes

One of Rome’s bravest and cleverest heroes was Julius Caesar. When he was just 25 years old, he was captured by pirates while sailing across the sea. The pirates asked for a ransom to let him go, but Caesar laughed and told them to ask for more money—because he said he was worth much more! When he was freed, he raised a fleet, chased the pirates down, and captured them himself.

Years later, Caesar became one of the most famous generals in history. His greatest victory came in Gaul (modern France) at the Battle of Alesia. The Gallic leader and his army were hiding inside a strong hilltop fortress, thinking Caesar couldn’t get in. But Caesar had a genius idea: he ordered his soldiers to build a giant wall all the way around the fortress—nearly 10 miles long—to trap the enemy inside. This was called the first wall.

Then, to make sure no one could sneak up behind them, he built a second wall, also huge, facing outward. Yet Caesar’s army was surrounded on both sides—the enemy inside the fortress and another army outside trying to rescue them. But Caesar had planned everything. His soldiers stood between the two walls, and when both enemy forces attacked, they fought on both sides at once—holding firm like a shield around Rome’s power.

In the end, the Gauls surrendered. Caesar’s clever double wall and brave soldiers won the day, showing that smart thinking can be just as powerful as strength.

Another Roman hero was Cincinnatus, a farmer who was called to be Rome’s leader in a time of danger. He saved the city, and when the crisis was over, he gave up his power and went back to his farm. Romans admired him because he didn’t rule for glory—he ruled to serve.