Though born to the old patrican Julia family, Gaius Julius Caesar rose through Roman political ranks thanks to the marriage of his aunt to Marius, who granted Caesar his first title as high priest of Jupiter. Since Marius was later defeated by the Dictator Sulla, Caesar's fortunes declined, and he lived in exile until Sulla's death in 78 BC. As a senator, Caesar formed the first triumviate with Crassus and Pompey, with whom he dominated the senate, allowing him to take command of the Gallic provinces, where he won popular victories for Rome. Caesar's popularity aggitated the senate, who demanded Caesar return to Rome for trial for insubordination. Caesar returned to Rome, but with the 13th legion behind him, crossing the Rubicon river in arms, and igniting another civil war. Caesar eventually defeated his erstwhile ally and son-in-law, Pompey, and became dictator of Rome. Caesar was eventually assassinated by senators in the senate house on the Ides of March 44 BC.

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