Did Julius Caesar say: "Africa, I have grabbed you"?
score:23
It apparently happened during Caesar's campaign against Scipio and Juba in 47BC, part of the wider Roman Civil War that was fought from 49β45BC. The story was recorded by Suetonius (Life of Julius Caesar: 59).
The quote, as it has come down to us from Suetonius, was:
"teneo te," inquit, "Africa."
or
"I hold you, Africa", he said.
Although amusing to modern readers, this would have been intended to turn an evil omen - stumbling while disembarking from the boat - into a more favourable one.
Upvote:1
This is very good question. Suetonius really wrote that Caesar said it. By the way, its position in Suetonius' book indicates that this statement is, according to Suetonius, a blasphemy and thus this idea does not serve to Caesar's honor.
By other hand, Onasander describes in Strategikos the same situation and the same statement, but his story is about Scipio Africanus. Moreover, in some latin editions of Strategikos, there is the note that Suetone (Tranquillis) ascribed this story to Caesar. (My mistake. I've read it, but not in Onasander)
Finally, Sextus Frontinus describes in Strategemata (book I, part XII) both stories. Scipio Africanus said "plaudite milites, Africam oppressi" ("Applaude, soldiers, I'm crushing the Africa") and later, in similar situation, Caesar said "teneo te, terra mater" ("I'm holding you, mother Earth").
Upvote:3
Actually, correct quote is : "teneo te, Africa". In Suetone's text, it reads : "teneo te, inquit, Africa" but "inquit" (and note "inuit"), only means "he said".
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