2. Julius Caesar comes to power

3. Early Beginnings Caesar came from a patrician family. ◦Was able to make a name for himself in the army at and early age and later as a politician in Rome. ◦Gained wealth as being a governor of Spain. ◦Joined with two others to form a Triumvirate.  Controlled Rome with Crassus (money man) and Pompey (General).

4. Rise to Power Caesar left Rome to be governor of Gaul. ◦Had many victories in Gaul and in Britain.  People loved Caesar for his victories.  Very popular and the senate did not like this. ◦ They liked Pompey Senate had Caesar disband his legions in Gaul. ◦Caesar refused and marched his legions to Italy. ◦ He crossed the Rubicon River and started a civil war.  Caesar defeated Pompey in Greece.

5. Dictatorship ◦In 44 BC Caesar became dictator of Rome for ten years. ◦ March 44 BC, Caesar was killed by a group of senators. Main ones were Brutus and Cassius.

6. Second Triumvirate Formed by Octavian (grandnephew of Caesar), Marc Antony, and Lepidus.  Goal was to destroy Caesar enemies. ◦ Which they did, Brutus and Cassius killed themselves.  Octavian and Marc Antony did not trust each other. ◦ This mis-trust lead to war. ◦ Marc Antony joined forces with Cleopatra.  Octavian defeated them at the Battle of Actium.

7. Octavian Sole Ruler. Octavian was a smarter ruler than Caesar. ◦He was more cautious. ◦He also changed his name to Augustus.  Name was for gods, senate wanted him to do this ◦ He gave little resistance. ◦Rome was no longer a Republic, ruled by a senate  Octavian was ruler for 41 year and brought great peace and prosperity to Rome. ◦ This was known as the Pax Romana (Roman Peace)