BORN ON THIS DAY

JULIUS CAeSAR (100BC44BC). The general and politician greatly expanded the Roman empire, conquered much of France, and was made dictator for life — but was stabbed to death by political rivals in Rome just a year later. He was married three times and had numerous affairs — most notably with the egyptian ruler Cleopatra, who even visited him in Rome, and had a child with him. KeNNeTH CLARK ( 1903- 1983). As National Gallery director, he evacuated major art works to Welsh mines in World War II and opened early on FA Cup final days to let fans get a shot of culture before the game. He gained fame as presenter of the TV series Civilisation but clashed with the director. A BBC colleague said getting the two to collaborate was like ‘mating pandas’. Clark had several mistresses or, in the words of his biographer, ‘a vigorous private life’. His eldest son was Alan Clark, the MP.