Italy: Icon of Julius Caesar (100-44 BCE), Perpetual Dictator of the Roman Republic, from the book Icones imperatorvm romanorvm (Icons of Roman Emperors), Antwerp, c. 1645

Born Gaius Julius Caesar (100-44 BCE), Julius Caesar was one the most infamous figures in history. A Roman politican, general and author, he played a critical role in the fall of the Roman Republic and paved the way for the rise of the Roman Empire. His political alliance alongside Crassus and Pompey, first formed in 60 BCE, would dominate Roman politics for many years. His victories in the Gallic Wars extended the Republic's territories all the way to the English Channel and the Rhine, and he became the first Roman general to build a bridge across the Rhine, as well as starting the invasion of Britain.

With these achievements under his belt, he amassed unmatched military power to himself, soon eclipsing his political ally Pompey. The Senate, also fearful of his growing power, demanded he step down from military command and return to Rome, which he refused, and marked his defiance by crossing the Rubicon with a legion in 49 BCE, illegally entering Roman Italy with an army and causing a civil war that he quickly crushed.

Taking control of the government, Caesar began implementing various social and political changes, declaring himself 'dictator in perpetuity'. The Senate still held much contempt for him however, and during the Ides of March (15 March) 44 BCE, Caesar was assassinated by a conspiracy of rebellious senators led by former friend and ally, Marcus Junius Brutus. A new string of civil wars ensued, ultimately concluding with Julius Caesar's adopted heir, Octavian, emerging victorious and becoming emperor.

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