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Caesar: *
The alliance (Crassus, Ceasar, Pompey) attempted to amass power as Populares but were opposed by the Optimates in the Senate (to include Cato the Younger & Cicero). Caesar's victories in the Gallic Wars, completed by 51 BC, extended Rome's territory to the English Channel and the Rhine. Victory gave him unmatched military power and threatened to eclipse the standing of Pompey who realigned himself with the Senate following the death of Crassus (53 BC). With the Gallic Wars concluded, the Senate ordered Caesar to step down from his command and return to Rome. He refused, instead crossing the Rubicon, illegally entering Italy with an army (49 BC). Civil war resulted; Caesar's victory gave him unrivaled power & influence. In control of government, he began social and governmental reforms, to include the creation of a new Julian calendar & centralised the bureaucracy. He was eventually proclaimed "dictator in perpetuity". However underlying political tensions had not been resolved and on 15 March 44 BC, he was assassinated by rebellious senators led by Brutus.