During the era of the late Republic, Rome suffered through a reign of terror under the dictator Sulla. When he died, damage had been done to the republican system of government. Violence and uncertainty allowed a new political alliance to arise- that of the first triumvirate. Triumvirate means ‘three men’ and refers to a group of three men who hold political power, regardless of whether or not the trio has been elected.
The first triumvirate consisted of Julius Caesar, Pompey, and Marcus Licinius Crassus. They divided up the Roman provinces. Crassus, the capable financier, received Syria. Pompey, the renowned general, got Spain. Caesar, who would soon show he to be a skilled politician, took over Cisalpine and Transalpine Gaul and II – lyricum. The triumvirate fell apart in 53 BC, when a Parthian army attacked Rome and killed Crassus. Meanwhile, Caesar developed the Roman Empire. In a struggle for power with the Senate, Caesar emerged the winner.
After Caesar’s death, the second triumvirate was established in 43 BC. It consisted of Octavian, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, and Mark Antony. The second triumvirate ended when Antony became involved with Cleopatra-Egypt’s pharaoh- and decided to fight Rome. Octavian played a part in defeating Antony’s forces. Once Antony was out of the way, and Lepidus was forced to retire, Octavian was free to become Augustus Caesar.