Julius CaesarHow did the emperor come to power?Julius was born to Aurelia and Gaius Julius Caesar. His family had noble status, although they were neither wealthy nor influential at that time. Caesar was appointed military tribune before 70 BC and quaestor of Upper Spain in 69 BC helped Pompey gain supreme command for the war in the East. As a general, Caesar was the best Rome had ever seen. He returned to Rome in 68 BC and in Pompey's absence became the recognized leader of the popular party. His love for Marius and Cinna made him popular among the people, but earned him the hatred of the senate. In December 63 BC Caesar invoked mercy for Catiline and the conspirators, thus increasing the enmity of the senatorial party and its leaders, Cato the Younger and Quintus Lutatius Catulus. How did they change the Roman Empire? Julius Caesar was Rome's first dictator, although he never officially became emperor. Caesar was appointed advisor and left...