The End of the Roman Republic

This set covers the transition of Rome from a Republic to an Empire, highlighting key figures, political shifts, and major conflicts during the 1st century B.C.

Civil war

A war between different groups of the same people.

Populares

The people's party in Rome that supported the plebeians and migrant-farmers.

Marius

A consul of common descent who reformed the Roman army by recruiting proletarians from the non-wealthy classes.

Proletarians

The social class of people who have no possessions and, under Marius, sought to become rich by fighting for Rome.

Optimates

The political faction supported by the Senate, which included leaders like Sulla.

Mithridates

The King of an empire in Asia Minor who threatened the Romans and was eventually defeated by Sulla.

Sulla

An army commander of the optimates who returned to Rome as victor, committed a coup, and restored the power of the Senate.

Triumvirate

A political alliance or governing body consisting of three people.

First Triumvirate

An alliance formed by Julius Caesar (popularity), Pompey (army), and Crassus (money).

Julius Caesar

A Roman leader who conquered Gaul, defeated Pompey in a civil war, and ruled as an absolute dictator until his murder in 44 B.C.

Second Triumvirate

A power-sharing alliance formed between Marc Anthony, Octavian, and Lepidus following Caesar's death.

Octavian

The cousin and adoptive son of Julius Caesar who defeated Marc Anthony and became the first emperor of Rome.

Battle at Actium

The 31 B.C. conflict where Octavian defeated the joined forces of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra.

Augustus

A title meaning "the exalted one," given to Octavian in 27 B.C. when he became the absolute ruler/emperor.

Belgae

A group described by Caesar as the bravest of the Gallic peoples because they were farthest from Roman civilization and refinement.

Ambiorix

The leader of the Eburones who fought against Julius Caesar and is historically celebrated as an "Old Belgian" hero.

Commentarii de bello Gallico

The 1st century B.C. work written by Julius Caesar describing his military achievements during the conquest of Gaul.

Absolute ruler

A leader with total power, such as Caesar during his dictatorship or Octavian as emperor.

Civil rights

Legal rights granted to the allies on the Italian peninsula by the Senate after a revolt.

Spartacus

A gladiator who led a major slave revolt across Italy during the 1st century B.C.

Republic

The period of Roman history that preceded the Empire and effectively ended with the rise of absolute rulers like Caesar and Augustus.

Empire

The period of Roman history beginning in 27 B.C. characterized by the rule of an emperor.