Anicent Rome Government

       Julius Caesar was a man born in 100 B.C. into a noble family. He was a general who rose to power after a man named Sulla died. Caesar was a man of many aptitudes and yearned to complete his ambitions. Julius was first introduced into military action in Asia Minor, present-day Turkey, and Spain. But he really proved himself to be a great general in Gaul, the area of what is now France. Julius Caesar was able to defeat the Gauls and capture the entire region. On his conquests, he prevailed new lands and immense wealth for Rome. These victories also won Caesar fame and fortune. In addition to being a great military general, Julius was a good politician. He was very popular with the plebeians because of his military fame, but he also had many adversaries. One of his enemies was Cicero, a Roman consul and perhaps the greatest speaker in Roman history. Cicero was a great supporter of the republic and distrusted Julius's desire for power. Many powerful Romans opposed Julius Caesar. When Caesar returned from Gaul, the Senate ordered him to break up his army. Instead, he brought  his soldiers to Italy and began fighting for control of Rome. After many years battling for control, he finally triumphs. In 46 B.C., he returned to Rome where he had the support of the people and the army. Later that year the Senate appointed him the sole Roman ruler. In 44 B.C., Julius was named dictator and ruled for life. As Caesar governed Rome, he did things such as expanding the Senate, enforcing laws, and creating jobs for the poor. Despite these acts, people thought that Julius would declare himself King. Not only would he rule, his children would as well. Roman hatred of kings dates all the way back to the Etruscan rule in 650 B.C. Concern over Caesar's growing power led to his death in 44 B.C. by a group of senators. His death took place at a meeting. One senator was trying to ask Caesar a question. As Julius argued with his questioner, another senator silently drew out a knife. The senator stabbed Caesar. As Julius took out a knife from his toga to defend himself, all the senators took out knives and attacked Caesar. He was dead. The leaders of the conspiracy were eventually killed or committed suicide.