The Punic Wars: Key Conflicts and Consequences

Julius Caesar was a major figure in Roman history who played a key role in the transition

from the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire. He first rose to power as part of

the First Triumvirate, a political alliance with two other leaders, Pompey and Crassus.

However, as tensions grew, a civil war broke out between Caesar and

Pompey. In 49 BCE, Caesar crossed the Rubicon River with his army,

openly defying the Roman Senate and starting the conflict. After winning the

war, he declared himself dictator of Rome, gaining almost complete

control and leading successful military conquests to expand the Roman territory.