In 75 BC, a young Julius Caesar, traveling to Rhodes to study oratory under Apollonius Molon, was captured by Cilician pirates off the coast of Asia Minor, a known pirate hub. Insulted by their modest demand of 20 talents, Caesar reportedly laughed and insisted they raise the ransom to 50 talents of silver. This act demonstrated his immense pride and lack of fear.

During his 38 days of captivity on the island of Farmakonisi (part of the Dodecanese), Caesar treated the pirates not as captors, but as his own retinue. He participated in their exercises, ordered them to be quiet when he wanted to sleep, and read his orations and poems to them. When the illiterate pirates didn't appreciate his work, he mockingly called them "barbarians" and repeatedly swore he would have them crucified once released.

Once the ransom was paid by his companions, Caesar was released. He immediately secured ships and men from the nearest Roman port, Miletus, and launched a private naval expedition against his former captors. He caught them easily, still near the island.

Upon capturing the pirates, the Roman governor of Asia, Marcus Junius Silanus, was indeed reluctant to execute them, preferring to sell them into slavery to make money. Caesar acted independently: he went to the prison, took the pirates, and had them crucified as he had promised. However, in a final gesture of mercy (or to ensure they didn't suffer for too long), he had their throats slit before they were raised on the crosses.

After taking revenge and returning the ransom money, Caesar proceeded to Rhodes to continue his studies. He returned to Rome in 74 BC (not 72 BC), when he was elected Military Tribune.