How did Julius Caesar become emperor?

1 Answer
Larissa F.
Nov 18, 2017

He did not become "emperor" during his lifetime.

Explanation:

Caesar was an important general and statesman in the Roman Republic. He became very powerful and defeated his great rival, Pompey, before returning to Rome and being the most powerful by far. However, many senators were afraid that he would try to become king, and on March 15, 44 BCE, he was assassinated. This launched a civil war, and Caesar's adoptive nephew Octavian won. He was declared "Augustus" by the Senate and slowly acquired all power over the state, religion, and army. Therefore, Caesar was never really the emperor, and Augustus was the first emperor.

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