Julius Caesar And Octavian

In 49 BC, Julius Caesar crossed the river Rubicon and ignited a civil war; which not only preceded his rise to power, but ended the Roman Republic and initiated the ascension of Gaius Octavius (Octavian) and the Roman Empire. Caesar’s reign was the fulcrum that permanently transformed Rome. Julius Caesar was a superb general and a clever politician. However, it was Octavian that became Rome 's first official emperor and gave the ancient world the Pax Romana. Both Men altered Roman society, government and influenced the development and culture of the future western world. Prior to the first century, the world was ruled by Rome; however, Rome was struggling to govern itself. Caesar and Octavian warrant recognition for their achievements, but

The decision of a death sentence for Caesar was “more disagreeable to say, than to do.” The consuls and most of the senators fled Rome and left the authority of the city to the Caesar. The civil war between Pompey (Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus) and Caesar exposed Rome to a new level of violence. The source and health of Roman society were based on the agricultural foundations in and around the republic. The conflict threatened trade throughout the Mediterranean World. In addition, to the political uncertainty within Rome, foreign leaders bound to Rome through commerce were uncertain whom to align themselves with, since the outcome of the civil war was unknown. After defeating Pompey in Greece (who later died in Egypt), Caesar was appointed dictator of Rome. He supervised his election to a second consulship and then resigned the dictatorship. Caesar sailed to Africa to defeat the remaining members of Pompey 's supporters. After the victory, he was appointed Dictator for ten years. The last civil war for Caesar was the defeat of Pompey’s son, Sextus Pompey, in Iberia. As Dictator, Caesar commanded the army of the republic including the provinces. He also controlled financial and foreign policy, as well as maintaining veto power over judicial and