Julius Caesar expanded Rome’s territory through military conquests and declared himself dictator for life, reshaping the Republic.

His growing power alarmed senators, leading to his assassination on the Ides of March (44 BCE), which plunged Rome into civil war. His adopted heir, Octavian, emerged victorious, defeating rivals like Mark Antony.

In 27 BCE, he became Augustus, Rome’s first emperor, marking the transition from Republic to Empire and ushering in a new era of stability and expansion.