30 B.C., Rome was in a civil war with itself. The rulers of Rome and other provinces became greedy, taxing the people and becoming very affluent. This led the way for military dictators. 4 great Generals tried to become Rome's new Emperor, but only Julius Caesar was the victor. Marius, Sulla, Pompey, and Caesar were great Generals who went off and conquered Rome's enemies and sent back to Rome to receive their prize. Afterwards, Sulla was sent to destroy King Mithridates and his armies. Marius was angry at that decision that the senate had chosen, and he gathered his army and they started to execute masses of Optimates (Senate People). Marius made himself a consul, but he died a little while later. When Sulla marched back to Rome, he found that all of Rome was under the control of Populares. New executions began. Sulla gathered his army and captured Rome, and killing the Populares. He remained the Dictator of Rome for 3 years; he constricted the powers of the people and made the senate very powerful. But then, he retired. Shortly after, Pompey arrived, and gave the people back their power that Sulla had crushed. Pompey planned to rule Rome with Caesar and Crassus. Caesar and Pompey became Consuls, but every one opposed them. In 59 B.C., Caesar was given all of Gaul as a reward, but then it was under attack by German Barbarian Tribes And Celts from the north. 8 years later, Caesar conquered all of France. Pompey became scared of Caesar’s military prowess, and ordered him to recall his army and return to Rome. Caesar refused and sent his armies to invade Italy. 2 years later, Caesar had crushed Pompey’s armies in Spain, Asia, Egypt and Greece. Caesar now ruled. He took the senate and dwindled its numbers to a few that Caesar knew owed him. Caesar knew that they would be loyal to him, but Caesar still had enemies. Some of the senators were afraid that if Caesar ruled any longer, that he would try to make himself a king, so the...
