Triumvirate, a Latin word meaning ¡°a board of three officials,¡± is a political alliance of three powerful leaders, each a triumvir. The term is often used to describe a state with three military leaders. The Roman Republic had two triumvirates: First Triumvirate (59 BC-53 BC) and Second Triumvirate (43 BC-33 BC).

The First Triumvirate was composed of Gaius Julius Caesar (100 BC-44 BC), Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, also known as Pompey the Great (106 BC-48 BC), and Marcus Licinius Crassus (115 BC-53 BC). Its purpose was to respond to social unrest in the Roman Republic. It was formed in 59 BC and lasted until Crassus died in 53 BC. Unlike the Second Triumvirate (Octavianus, Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, and Marcus Antonius,43 BC~33 BC), it was an unofficial political alliance kept secret for some time.

In 60 BC, Caesar wanted to run for consul. But he faced strong opposition from senators. Even though Caesar was popular with the citizens, he had to seek alliances within the Senate to secure his election. Already maintaining a solid friendship with the wealthy Crassus, he approached Crassus¡¯ rival Pompey with a view to forming an amicitia (coalition).

Pompey had already been unable to carry out land reforms for his eastern veterans and Caesar mediated between the two leaders. Crassus, on the other hand, had huge assets tied up in eastern interests. He needed another influential leader, Caesar, to protect his interests and, so, joined the coalition.

Meanwhile, Pompey and Crassus, helped Caesar be elected as consul in 59 BC.

What Caesar did first once in office was pass a law requiring all Senate debates and procedures to be made available to the public. Caesar¡¯s endeavor eventually culminated in the publication of his own records of the Gallic and Civil Wars. At the age of 40, he held the highest office in Rome and had defeated his enemies. Based on his brilliant achievements, Caesar was set to change the geographic landscape of the ancient world.

After the death of Crassus, Pompey and Caesar fought a civil war to take control of Rome. In 49 BC, the Senate stood behind Pompey, ordering Caesar to disband his army and give up his province of Gaul. Instead of giving up, Caesar crossed the Rubicon River, which set off a civil war. After five yeas of fighting, including the decisive battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC, Caesar defeated all his enemies. Pompey was killed and Caesar established himself as consul and perpetual dictator of Rome. Among other things, he carried out much-needed reforms, built the Forum Julium, also known as the Forum of Caesar, and revised the calendar.