Julius Caesar: The Making of a Dictator

The rise to power of the Roman leader, beginning as he entered into dangerous alliances and bent the rules of the republic in his bid to become consul of Rome

In this episode the series examines Julius Caesar’s reluctant partnership with his two contemporaries, Pompey and Crassus, highlighting the tension that underpinned their coalition. It traces how circumstances outside Caesar’s influence began to mount, eventually forcing him to take a pivotal step that would irrevocably alter the trajectory of western civilisation. The narrative follows the formation of the alliance, the strain it created, and the inexorable chain of events that compelled Caesar to act, underscoring the moment’s lasting impact on history. The episode also points to the political machinations and shifting loyalties that left Caesar with few alternatives, compelling him to choose a course that would reshape the Republic’s power structure.

In the episode, Julius Caesar consolidates his grip on Rome, progressively bestowing upon himself ever‑greater authority. His rule becomes increasingly autocratic, with his actions edging into tyranny. As his power expands, a small circle of senators grows uneasy, recognising the danger his unchecked dominance poses to the Republic. Driven by fear and a sense of duty, these senators begin to conspire, plotting to end Caesar’s life in an attempt to restore balance. Their secret machinations set the stage for a dramatic attempt on the dictator’s life, highlighting the peril that absolute power can provoke among those meant to check it.

The series follows the meteoric ascent of a Roman emperor, charting how he seized control and reshaped the empire. It presents a gripping account of the power grab that ended a tradition of republican rule, showing the mechanisms and intrigue behind his climb. His tactics and political savvy are laid bare, highlighting the drive that propelled him to the throne. Through a tightly woven narrative, the programme illustrates the swift dismantling of institutions that had sustained Roman democracy for close to five hundred years. In a span of merely sixteen years, the old order crumbled under the emperor’s ambition, marking a dramatic rupture in the city’s political life. The rapid transformation left the populace bewildered, as centuries‑old customs vanished overnight.