Was Julius Caesar the greatest man Rome has ever known, or is he one of the greatest tyrants?

There is a thin line between hero and tyrant, and it is difficult to distinguish what side Julius Caesar falls. Generally, if Julius Caesar was compared to any major political figure nowadays, he would be seen in a tyrannical light. These were clearly different times and the law had different practices back then such as slavery. From his peers/upper class’s point of view he is reckless and selfish, while really he is just trying to give back to the lower class. Throughout his order he tremendously assisted in the growth of the Roman Empire, and during all of this he also declined to be crowned king as to avoid unnecessary conflict.

Julius