Gaius Julius Caesar (12 or 13 July 100 BC – 15 March 44 BC) is known by his cognomen Julius Caesar. Caesar was born into the gens Julia, descent from Iulus, son of Aeneas. The family originated from Alba Longa. The cognomen "Caesar" originated, according to Pliny the Elder, with an ancestor who was born by Caesarean section. The Historia Augusta suggests three possbile explanation: that the first Caesar had a thick head of hair (Latin caesaries); that he had bright grey eyes (Latin oculis caesiis); or that he killed an elephant (caesai in Moorish) in battle. Caesar issued coins featuring images of elephants, suggesting that he favored this interpretation of his name.
Silver Denarius - Military mint in Italy, circa 49 B.C. Elephant walking right, trampling on serpent, CAESAR in exergue. Sacrificial implements, simpulum, sprinkler, axe and priest's hat.
The obverse type may symbolize victory over evil, whereas the reverse refers to Caesar's office of Pontifex Maximus.
