History Daily 1296: The End of the Roman Republic
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Jan 16, 2026 Dive into the dramatic rise of Octavian as he transforms from Julius Caesar's heir to the first Emperor of Rome. Discover the tense formation of the Triumvirate and Octavian's cunning strategy to sideline Lepidus. Experience the fierce rivalry with Mark Antony and Cleopatra, culminating in a gripping naval battle. Finally, witness Octavian’s clever maneuvering to emerge as Augustus, ushering in the Roman Empire while maintaining a facade of republican ideals.
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Triumphal Parade That Shaped Octavian
- Octavian rode in Julius Caesar's triumphal procession and witnessed Vercingetorix led to public execution.
- That spectacle showed Caesar's dominance and foreshadowed the violent politics Octavian would inherit.
Return From Apollonia Against Advice
- Octavian learned of Caesar's assassination while at Apollonia and chose to return to Rome despite warnings.
- His decision to claim Caesar's legacy immediately made him a new power broker in the capital.
Pragmatic Alliance Turned Rivalry
- The Second Triumvirate formed as a pragmatic alliance among ambitious men to hunt Caesar's killers.
- That temporary cooperation contained the seeds of future rivalry and civil war.