Who authored Commentarii de Bello Civili, and how many books did it consist of?

The correct answer is that Commentarii de Bello Civili was authored by Julius Caesar and it consisted of three books. This work is an essential primary source documenting the events of the Roman Civil War from Caesar's perspective, following the conflict between Caesar and his rival Pompey. The narrative provides valuable insight into military strategies, political motivations, and the state of Rome during that tumultuous period.

Caesar's approach in this text is particularly noteworthy because he not only recounts the battles but also reflects on the implications of these events for Roman society and governance. His first-hand account is critical for historians studying this era, as it gives an articulate voice to the complexities of civil conflict.

Understanding the literary context of Roman authorship is important, as other figures like Cicero, Virgil, and Livy produced significant works but did not write Commentarii de Bello Civili. Cicero was more known for his eloquent speeches and philosophical writings, Virgil for epic poetry like the Aeneid, and Livy for his extensive history of Rome. Each of these authors contributed differently to Roman literature and history, highlighting the varied literary landscape of ancient Rome.