1. The New Imperialism
During the latter part of the republic, it was obvious that those with a powerful army held political power as well and could overthrow the constitutional government at any time they pleased
In quick succession, Gneaus Pompeiud (Pompey, BCE), G. Julius Caesar (Julius, BCE) M. Lucinus Crassus ( BCE) came to power by splitting the government between themselves and in 60BCE, formed The First Triumvirate –rule of 3 men-

2. The New Imperialism Ambition quickly found its way into this
Crassus was killed in battle
Pompey became Caesar’s foe and sided with the Senators
Caesar refused to discharge his army and ‘crossed the Rubicon’ that marked the border between his area of control and Italy proper (49 BCE) – an illegal act
Pompey retreated to Alexandria, Egypt and was decapitated by an enemy

3. The New Imperialism
In 49 BCE Caesar appointed himself dictator for 10 years
In 45 BCE, it became for life when he became Pontifex Maximus (chief priest)- now, more a king than ever
On the 14 March, 44BCE (the “Ides of March”), Caesar was murdered by the ‘defenders of liberty’ who stabbed him to death beneath Pompey’s statue in the theatre built by Pompey himself

4. The New Imperialism
Julius Caesar was a great military leader, powerful strategist & tactician, writer of Latin and ardent reformer
On 1 January, 45 BCE, he introduced the Julian calendar, which brought the civil year in line with the solar year (3 months out of sync)
It was used until 1582 when the reform of Pope Gregory XII changed it to the Gregorian calendar
The Julian calendar is still used today in some eastern European and Greek Christian faiths

5. The New Imperialism
After the death of Caesar, a struggle for power ensued between Caesar Octavianus (son of Caesar), Marcus Antonius (Marc Antony) and M. Lepidus)
They formed The Second Triumvirate and divided the empire into three parts:
Antony – east, Octavian – west, Lepidus – Africa

6. The New Imperialism
In 36BCE, Antony met and married Cleopatra VII even though he was already married to Octavian’s sister
Cleopatra VII had a son with Julius Caesar, Caesarian
On 23 September 31 BCE, Octavian challenged their control of the east at the Battle of Actium (within a year, both committed suicide)
Octavian now commander of the Roman world and restored the Republic
He was given the name Augustus (semi-divine) in 27 BC

7. The New Imperialism
Augustus made reforms and tightened his grip on the Empire; he was Tribune of the People, Pontifex Maximus and Emperor
He was the first Roman Emperor
Augustus took great pains not to cause overt dissatisfaction, was not arrogant and took slow, cautious, clever steps to power
His reign was one of peace, cultural glory, advances in civil administration were made and he was regarded as a great ruler from all over

8. The New Imperialism
Augustus “found a city made of brick and left it as one of marble”
He was so successful because:
The people were sick of civil wars and wanted peace
he lived a long life, outliving many of his heirs and all of his opponents