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QINGDAO TODAY
在线翻译:
szdaily -> Speak Shenzhen -> 
The end of the Roman Republic
    2019-07-30  08:53    Shenzhen Daily

James Baquet

Once upon a time, every schoolboy was forced to memorize the Latin expression, “Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres,” which translates “All Gaul is divided into three parts.” These are the first words of Julius Caesar’s famed work, “The Gallic War,” for many students of Latin the first authentic text (that is, a classical work, not something written by teachers) that they would learn to read.

Julius Caesar is a giant of history — not just a general and a politician, but actually a polished historian as well. He was also the figure who more than any other led to the downfall of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire.

A republic is a form of government in which the people — the “public” — have a say in the affairs of state. The Roman Republic, which lasted from 509 to 27 B.C., was officially called in Latin “Senatus Populusque Romanus” (abbreviated SPQR), or “The Senate and People of Rome.”

It ended due to intrigues by the “First Triumvirate” made up of Caesar, Pompey (“the Great”), a general, and Crassus, a plutocrat. Together they forged a secret alliance intended to circumvent the system of checks and balances that would prevent any man from seizing too much power. The alliance of the “three men” (the base meaning of “triumvirate”) was cemented by the marriage of Pompey to Caesar’s daughter Julia.

When Crassus died on a campaign, Caesar and Pompey — whose relationship had suffered since Julia’s death in 54 B.C. — became enemies. Caesar was victorious over Pompey in 48 B.C. at the Battle of Pharsalus. Pompey fled to Egypt, where he was assassinated. Caesar fought on against the remains of Pompey’s army. His power was growing in Rome, where he was appointed to such supreme posts as consul and dictator. At last, he overreached, and was assassinated by disgruntled senators in 44 B.C.

The last of the Triumvirs was dead, but a Second Triumvirate soon arose, composed of Caesar’s nephew Octavian, Mark Antony and Lepidus, all close allies of Caesar. Octavian became Caesar Augustus, the first emperor of the Roman Empire. The republic, too, was dead.

Vocabulary:

Which words above mean:

1. very important figure

2. plots, schemes

3. went too far

4. shortened

5. go around, bypass

6. government operations

7. genuine, original

8. one whose political power is based on his wealth

9. leader with absolute power

10. displeased, discontented

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