Julius Caesar's Post-Gallic Wars Settlement and the Suburra of Rome

After the conclusion of the Gallic Wars in 50 BCE, Julius Caesar faced numerous political challenges and the potential for further military engagements. Despite these pressures, a significant aspect of his life was his personal settlement in the lower-class quarter of Rome, known as the Suburra. This article explores the details of his residence in this notorious district and provides insight into ancient Rome's social structure during the era.

The Suburra: A Complex Urban Area

The Suburra, a district in ancient Rome, was characterized by its diverse and often controversial nature. According to historian Suetonius, after the death of Sulla in 78 BCE, Julius Caesar purchased a house in this impoverished area of Rome. The Suburra was a densely populated region located below the Murus Terreus on the Carinae. It was situated in a dip between the Viminal and Esquiline hills, common knowledge to even the most basic readers of Roman history.

A wall from a house in the Suburra, representing the district's historical significance.

The Suburra was not merely a place of residences; it was the heart of Rome's lower-class community. The district is best known for its red-light district and the presence of insulae, tall apartment buildings housing numerous tabernae or shops on the ground floor. The crowding and noise were significant, reflecting the mingling of various social and economic classes.

Historical Background and Layout

The Suburra played a crucial role in the economic and social fabric of ancient Rome. It was approached through the Argiletum, a bustling street known for its vendors and craftsmen. Historically, the Argiletum connected the Roman Forum with the Cloaca Maxima, a crucial drainage system. In the early 2nd century CE, this thoroughfare was amplified under Domitian and eventually incorporated into Nerva's Forum.

The district was densely populated, with the majority of its inhabitants residing in insulae. Inscriptions and epitaphs from the era attest to the presence of a Jewish synagogue, along with various trades such as shoemaking, ironmongering, and wool merchant activities. This region was home to both artisans and criminals, contributing to its notorious reputation.

Julius Caesar's Residence and Personal Life

While Julius Caesar may not have spent most of his time in Gaul, his frequent travels and military engagements left him less time to settle in a luxurious urban residence. Instead, he chose to live in the Suburra, an area that was both practical and affordable. According to Suetonius, his family also resided in a house in the same locality. This choice of residence might be attributed to the practicality of being in a densely populated area, which was also fertile ground for potential political connections and broader networks.

Caesar's financial situation was less stable, supported by the backing of his powerful supporters. Not being wealthy by the standards of the elite, his financial resources were largely dependent on the support of individuals who gained politically from his successes. This fact, combined with his frequent travels and political engagements, makes his settlement in the Suburra even more intriguing.

Concluding Insights

The Suburra was much more than a neighbourhood; it was a testament to the complexity and diversity of ancient Roman life. Julius Caesar's choice to reside there speaks to the pragmatic and strategic decisions he made, balanced against the challenges and opportunities of post-Gallic War Rome. The district, bustling with a variety of activities, from trade to crime, provided a backdrop against which Caesar's political and personal life played out.

Understanding the role of the Suburra in Caesar's life and in the broader context of ancient Rome helps in appreciating the multifaceted nature of Roman society and the personal choices of its leaders.