Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar was the Roman Governor of Transalpine Gaul, and it is his commentaries or accounts of his campaigns in Gaul from 58 BC to 51 BC that comprise the eight books of his "Conquest of Gaul". Starting in 58 BC, he proceeds to engage in a series of military interventions in the lands of the Gauls, always under the pretext of protecting the Province of Rome and always expanding the scope of his actions, until he has invaded Britain twice and crossed the Rhine twice. At the end of the campaigns, he has eleven legions in the field and has, for all intents and purposes, secured the conquest of Gaul.

His personal courage as a leader is demonstrated many times, from when he addresses troops before and after battles, and on the occasions when he literally joins in the fighting to rally and encourage his men. Always careful to...