Their opponents were Optimates, conservatives whose aim was to safeguard the interests of the privileged elites. Many of these Optimates could be found in the strong Senate, ensuring that the populist Caesar would, throughout his political life, find little support on its benches.
Consulships lasted for just a year, with the holders unable to seek re-election for a decade. The duration of his governorship was also set at five years, rather than the traditional single year. In 50 BC, towards the end of those ten years and with the Gallic Wars concluded, the Senate called for Caesar to relinquish his military role and return to Rome. Politically, this was dangerous for Caesar.
Not only had Crassus died and the ever-dangerous Pompey had realigned himself with the Senate, but leaving the territories under his control would expose Caesar to possible prosecution for corruption and exceeding the limits of his authority.
As he reached the geographical limits of his jurisdiction on his journey back to Rome, Caesar had a clear choice: either venture forth without his troops and face the almost inevitable curtailing of his powers or be accompanied illegally by his soldiers in an act that would be interpreted as a declaration of civil war.
Approaching the modest stream known as the Rubicon that separated Cisalpine Gaul from Italy, he made up his mind. He reportedly announced his decision with three words of Latin: Alea iacta est the die is cast.
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He soon rose to political province, becoming an important Roman magistrate 65 BC and providing the public with lavish games in the Circus Maximus, and later being elected Pontifex Maximus. This endeared him to the people of Rome as well as powerful men in the Roman government. This led to Caesar being elected as consul of the Roman Republic, the most powerful position at the time.
After his year of power, he was selected to control four Roman legions, named the province of Gaul. However, Caesar soon wanted to become consul once more, as he became rivals with the leader Pompey. This is where Caesar started his love affair with co-regent Cleopatra. During his on and off relationship with Cleopatra, Caesar wiped out his enemies one by one allowing him to seize power in Rome. He took control on the city in 46 BC, becoming dictator of Rome for 10 years, outraging his political opponents.
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Ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, waged war against their neighbors in an effort to gain access to resources, territory, power, and glory.
These conflicts were often spearheaded by some of the fiercest leaders in history, like Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and Genghis Kahn. Though each warrior had different motives for their actions, they were each effective leaders who held or contributed to the growth of vast empires.
Explore this collection to learn how the contemporary world was shaped by the conquests of ancient civilizations. Others say that Aeneas and some of his followers escaped the fall of Troy and established the town. Regardless of which of the many myths one prefers, no one can doubt the impact of ancient Rome on western civilization. A people known for their military, political, and social institutions, the ancient Romans conquered vast amounts of land in Europe and northern Africa, built roads and aqueducts, and spread Latin, their language, far and wide.
Use these classroom resources to teach middle schoolers about the empire of ancient Rome. During his reign, Augustus restored peace and prosperity to the Roman state and changed nearly every aspect of Roman life.
Rome transitioned from a republic to an empire after power shifted away from a representative democracy to a centralized imperial authority, with the emperor holding the most power.
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