Caesar’s inclusion of it inflamed tensions in
Rome, which was recovering from civil war and
the loss of Pompey, whom many still considered
a great hero. Nonetheless, Caesar returned to
Rome ready to celebrate before the people.
Quadruple Triumphs
Over the course of a few weeks in 46 B.C., Caesar
staged his four triumphs, beginning with the
Gallic. Historians say it started with a curious
incident. The first-century A.D. Roman historian
Suetonius described how Caesar’s chariot broke
as he paraded through city. The general nearly
fell, but continued along the route “between two
lines of elephants, forty in all, which acted as his
torch bearers.”
In the Gallic triumph, Caesar’s men followed
behind him. Some carried large placards depict-
ing the most important battles and events. It was
customary for them to carouse, singing songs
meant to stave off the jealousy of the gods by
making fun of the general’s vices. Suetonius re-
corded a particularly risque verse that poked fun
at Caesar’s love affairs:
Home we bring our bald whoremonger;
Romans, lock your wives away!
All the bags of gold you lent him
Went his Gallic tarts to pay.In the Pontic triumph, Suetonius reported how
in addition to the placards showing key battle
scenes, a wagon was decorated with three simple
words: Veni, vidi, vici (I came, I saw, I conquered).
Rather than referring to a battle or event, Sue-
tonius believe the phrase referred to the speed
with which Caesar’s forces won.
Romans were happy to celebrate victories
against foreign powers, but there were mixedSALUTING
HERCULES
The triumphal
procession passed
through the Forum
Boarium (above),
site of the Temple of
Hercules Triumphant
(left) and the Temple
of Portunus (right),
before reaching the
Capitoline Hill.During Caesar’s triumphs, his
soldiers were permitted to chant
insults at him, such as: “Home we
bring our bald whoremonger.”PAOLO ROMITI/ALAMY/ACI