Early in his military career, a young Julius Caesar was captured by Sicilian pirates, who demanded a ransom of 20 talents of silver for his return. What was Caesar’s response?
Answer: Caesar was offended at the ransom request, instructing his captors to demand 50 talents of silver at least, which they promptly did. Though the ransom was paid, the pirates did not have long to enjoy the money. After his release, Caesar, true to the ruthlessness that was to be his hallmark, returned, tracked down the pirates and killed them.
Source: Rome – The Greatest Empire of the Ancient World by Nick McCarty
