Crocea Mors

JULIUS CAESAR

THE ROMAN EMPIRE

Julius Caesar in one of his military campaigns

Of all the Roman generals, Julius Caesar is probably the most famous. He was responsible for the military conquests that transformed the Roman Republic into one of the greatest empires in history. Since Caesar was a general of great stature, his sword, Crocea Mors —meaning "Yellow Death in Latin — was well-known. The sword was said to kill anyone it struck, thought that might be attributed to Caesar's fighting prowess.

Crocea Mors is a gladius, with a decorated hilt befitting Caesar’s stately status. The gladius was the Romans' preferred weapon. It is used primarily to deal stab wounds to the abdominal area — which is lethal in many cases. 

Crocea Mors, a representation

Caesar spent much of his life in the army. He was recognized for his battle achievements and his bravery in dangerous situations. At the same time, Historia Regum Britanniae attributes the success of Caesar’s campaigns partly to Crocea Mors. During Caesar's invasion of Britain, he was involved in a fierce battle with Nennius, a British prince. In the end, Caesar was able to deal a fatal wound to the prince's head. However, doing so costed him his prized sword — for Crocea Mors was stuck on Nennius’ shield. 

Nennius was tenacious even on the verge of death. Extraordinarily, he survived for another fifteen days — while killing many Romans with Crocea Mors. After he died, the sword was buried along with Nennius’ corpse as a symbol of honor.

Caesar, with his military powers and populist tactics, finally overthrew the Senate and made himself leader of Rome. Alas, politics is a dangerous game. In 44 BC, Caesar was assassinated by his political rivals.