Caesar’s Guide to Becoming a Dictator

Following these six easy steps you too can topple a democracy and enthrone yourself as the sole emperor of an ancient nation

1 Build Your reputation

If you want to change the political landscape you must first prove that you are not of that landscape. Caesar worked as a criminal lawyer to establish his credentials as a fighter for the people and the rule of law.

3 Break the Gridlock

Timing is everything if you want to knock an established political system off its perch and the right time is typically when that system is eating itself in squabbles. Caesar was the strong voice, leading a new movement.

5 Ignore the Haters

You’ve taken up a lot of power, but now the system is kicking back and demanding to be heard. What do you do? Ignore them, of course. When the system screamed, Caesar shouted back louder and got his way.

2 Be Pious

Are religion and politics supposed to be separate entities? Perhaps, but establishing humility before the gods won’t do you any harm. Caesar was made Pontifex Maximus (a chief high priest) in 63 BCE.

4 ally With the rich & Powerful

Even if you’re independently wealthy or claim to be fighting for the people, you need money and influence behind you. Caesar’s team-up with Crassus and Pompey as The Triumverate proved his national leadership.

6 Write Your Own Press

To be the single figurehead of a movement the message needs to be from you and not filtered through a third party. Caesar knew this and wrote his own public reports on his victories in Gaul and elsewhere, building his myth.