Which events caused the Roman Republic to be less stable during the time of the civil war between Caesar and Pompey?
There were several events that caused the Roman Republic to be less stable during the time of the civil war between Caesar and Pompey. Some of these events include:
1. The First Triumvirate: The formation of the First Triumvirate, consisting of Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus, in 60 BCE, undermined the balance of power in the Republic. This informal political alliance weakened the traditional republican system, as the three men effectively monopolized power and pursued their personal ambitions.
2. Caesar's conquests: Julius Caesar's military campaigns and conquests in Gaul (modern-day France) brought him considerable wealth, fame, and popularity among the Roman soldiers. However, his unauthorized military actions alarmed the Senate and Pompey, as they saw his rising popularity and excessive power as a threat to their own authority.
3. Pompey's Senate-backed authority: Following Caesar's successful military campaign in Gaul, he needed to return to Rome to seek re-election as consul for 49 BCE. However, Pompey, who had been appointed as the sole consul for that year, supported by the Senate, refused to allow him to do so. This act of defiance further escalated tensions between the two generals and their supporters.
4. The Senate's favoritism towards Pompey: The Roman Senate, which was made up of the wealthy aristocratic class (patricians), was largely supportive of Pompey due to his long-standing political career and connections. The Senate viewed Pompey as a more conservative and traditional leader, which made them hesitant to fully back Caesar, who was seen as a radical and ambitious figure.
5. The Rubicon crossing: One of the decisive moments in the civil war was when Julius Caesar, with his army, crossed the Rubicon River, which marked the boundary between his province and Italy in 49 BCE. This act violated Roman law, as no general was allowed to bring their army into Italy. Caesar's decision to cross the Rubicon was a clear challenge to the authority of the Senate and Pompey, and it further destabilized the Republic.
6. Caesar's dictatorship: After defeating Pompey's forces in various battles, Caesar emerged as the victor and gained control over Rome. In 46 BCE, Caesar was declared "dictator perpetuo" or dictator in perpetuity, essentially becoming the sole ruler of Rome. This transition from the Republic to one-man rule marked a significant departure from the traditional republican system and caused further instability, as it concentrated power in the hands of an individual.
These events, among others, contributed to the decline of the Roman Republic and the establishment of Caesar's dictatorial rule, ultimately leading to the transformation of the Roman government into the Roman Empire.