Ancient History Rome: Caesar and the Civil War

Julius Caesar was a skilled military leader and ambitious politician who had manipulated himself into a position of great popularity in Rome
On Pompey's return from the East, Caesar, Pompey and Crassus formed what became known as "The first Triumvirate" - an agreement among the three men to share political power
In 59 BC, under this agreement, Caesar was made governor of the Roman provinces in Northern Italy and Southern France. In Gaul, he embarked on a campaign of conquest - The Gallic War
After eight years of fighting, Caesar's army had conquered Gaul (modern day France and Belgium), reducing the territory to a Roman province
Caesar's quest for absolute power now made itself clear. In 49 BC, he led his army from Gaul down through Italy, across the Rubicon river to occupy Rome. This was an act of war because no commander was allowed to take his army outside of his own province
By this time, Crassus had been killed fighting in Mesopotamia. Only Pompey remained as Caesar's rival for power. Pompey and his supporters retreated across the Adriatic sea to the Balkans
Caesar did not have the Senate's approval to become Consul, so like Sulla before him, he declared himself dictator of Rome
He then set out after his enemy, Pompey

Summary:

How had Caesar become popular? He was a skilled general , politician and manipulator
Who were the members of the First Triumvirate? Caesar, Pompey and Crassus
What is the modern day European country that was Gaul? France and Belgium
What military successes did Caesar achieve? He conquered Gaul and made the first expedition into Britain
Why was Caesar's action of crossing the Rubicon with his troops an act of war? It was illegal to cross into Italy with an army
How did Pompey react to Caesar's arrival in Italy? He fled Rome and retreated to the Balkans
What did Caesar's declaration of himself as dictator of Rome mean to the Republic? It ended the Republic and gave Caesar complete control
Why was Caesar determined to destroy Pompey and his army? Because he was the last resistance

Occupations at the time:

Ancient History Rome