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To What Extent Did Caesar Destroy The Roman Republic

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Did Julius Caesar destroy the Roman Republic? By Zoe Fewtrell Introduction: Gaius Julius Caesar is generally regarded as a controversial figure who is commonly held accountable for the collapse of the Roman Republic. This perspective is highly contested, as Caesar instituted numerous substantial and long-lasting reforms that benefited Rome, yet these reforms were frequently perceived as “politically dishonest” and “power-hungry” behind his actions and ambitions, calling his legacy into question. While some view him as a significant reformer, others perceive him as an irredeemable dictator whose actions triggered the Republic's collapse. His complex legacy continues to be contested in our modern-day world by historians and individuals, globally. …show more content…

Syme insists that Caesar's revolt against republican expectations and establishment of the autocratic rule gravely damaged the republican system. Strauss supports this idea, arguing that Caesar's rise to prominence and drive to undermine established institutions held great significance in the transition from Republic to Empire. "Caesar's actions," according to Strauss, "acted as a catalyst for the shift from a republic to an autocratic regime." While recognising pre-existing issues, Syme and Strauss mainly focus on Caesar's actions as the primary factor that caused the Republic's fall. They majorly express Caesar's actions and motives as a significant factor, perceiving them differently to many. Caesar crossing the Rubicon River in 49 BCE is often underlined as a defining event because while he led his army across the river, he specifically violated the Senate's authority, beginning a civil war. This act of rebellion was uncommon, demonstrating Caesar's disregard for authority as he manipulated the military force for his own political objectives. His subsequent victory in the civil war, as well as his rise to power, represented a significant difference from republican normalities of shared governance and checks and balances. Strauss argues that “Caesar's rise to power and his subsequent actions fundamentally altered the political landscape of Rome, setting the stage for the end of the Republic”. Additionally, while many of Caesar's reforms were beneficial while re-establishing the Republic, his centralization of power weakened the republic and overall undermined the Senate's power. Formerly, the Republic relied among multiple branches of the government although when Caesar named himself “dictator for life”, he effectively ended the initial institutions of the republic that practised rotation of leadership, holding him

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