After Crassus and Pompey are elected Consuls in 70 B.C., the Roman Senate see that they are getting too powerful

The Roman Senate look to Gaius Julius Caesar for support

Caesar proved himself in battle as general of the army

He was a good politician, so Crassus and Pompey had him elected to Consul

Caesar had Crassus' and Pompey's laws passed by the Roman Senate (as a return favor for their support)

Caesar's persuasion of the Senate made him popular with Crassus and Pompey

The alliance of Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey created the Triumvirate (sharing of power by three leaders)

The First Triumvirate only lasted 7 years because of suspicion and jealousies

Caesar received a very large army with this new alliance (Triumvirate) and conquered Gaul (present-day France)

The conquest of Gaul extended the Roman Empire north and Caesar became very popular with the Roman people

Caesar's conquests made him rich and his soldiers became very loyal (Caesar, like other generals, was generous with his wealth and took care of his soldiers)

The Triumvirate collapsed after Crassus died in 53 B.C.

Roman law and order collapsed

The Senate made Pompey sole Consul (they hoped that this would restore order)

Caesar was in Gaul, while Pompey was in Rome and a power struggle was about to begin

Caesar led his army to Rome and a bloody civil war began

In 48 B.C., during the month of August, Caesar defeated Pompey and he declared himself dictator for life

Caesar did not care that the people wanted him to restore the republic (form of government)

Caesar had the support of his massive army

However, Caesar did make reforms that pleased the people of Rome

He created jobs for the poor and became even more popular with the common people

The Roman Senate was not happy with Caesar and they feared that he was too powerful

He was assassinated by members of the Roman Senate (on the Senate floor) on March 15, 44 B.C.

Some of his supposed friends in the Senate participated in his murder

After Caesar's death, another civil war occurred

Fourteen years passed and Rome became a monarchy (kingship)

Later on, Rome became an empire