Caesar Augustus was one of ancient Rome's most successful leaders who led the transformation of Rome from a republic to an empire. During his reign, Augustus restored peace and prosperity to the Roman state and changed nearly every aspect of Roman life.

While his Caesar had virtues that would make him divine, in his youth, travelling to Asia as a private citizen, 'he was captured by sea robbers off the island of Pharmacusa and ransomed himself for fifty talents.

In 75 B.C., Caesar, then in his mid-20s, set out from Rome for the Aegean island of Rhodes, a noted center of learning where he planned to study with Apollonius, a Greek rhetorician whose students had included Cicero, who became one of ancient Rome's most famous orators.

In 75 BCE, Julius Caesar was captured by Cilician pirates, who infested the Mediterranean sea. The Romans had never sent a navy against them, because the pirates offered the Roman senators slaves, which they needed for their plantations in Italy. As a consequence, piracy was common.

With a solid military reputation, the next step for Caesar was to distinguish himself politically. This meant giving speeches in law cases, and so he decided to travel to Rhodes to further study oration.

Julius Caesar and his allies formed up opposite the army of the Roman Republic under the command of Pompey.... Battle of PharsalusPart of Caesar's Civil WarDate 9 August 48 BC Location Palaepharsalus, Greece39.3707°N 22.3335°E Result Caesarian victoryBelligerentsCaesariansPompeians9 more rows

Pirates Capture Caesar In 75 B.C., as he crossed the Aegean Sea in route to Rhodes to study philosophy and oratory, murderous pirates captured Caesar. Reportedly, Caesar acted more like a domineering leader with the pirates than their captive. After his ransom was paid, the pirates let him go.