Roman Emperor Julius Caesar, one of the most controversial characters of history. Many see in him the defender of the rights of the people against the rule of a few, others see him as a man who forced his way to dictatorial power and destroyed Rome. He excelled in war, in statesmanship, and in oratory. A famous quote attributed to Julius Caesar came after a long string of victories, ending with the defeat of Pharnaces II.  Caesar reported his victory in the words "Veni, vidi, vici" (I came, I saw, I conquered).