The rise of ambitious strongmen in the late Republic, such as Marius, Sulla, and Julius Caesar, undermined the institutions of the Republic, prioritizing personal gain over the state.

Caesar's ambition and disregard for traditional Republican values contributed to the resentment that ultimately led to his downfall.

Octavian, Caesar's grandnephew, emerged as a key player in the power struggle following Caesar's assassination, eventually becoming the first emperor of Rome.

Augustus frames his rise to power as a refounding of the Roman Republic, skillfully using propaganda to present himself as a defender of liberty rather than a king.

Augustus, as the first emperor of Rome, established a political system that would influence countless later empires and shape global history. He oversees the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire, setting a template that future emperors follow for the next 500 to 1500 years, as they all aspire to be like him, adopting his titles such as 'Caesar Augustus' and 'Imperator'.

Augustus consolidates power by establishing a political system that appears to maintain the Republic's structure, but in reality, he controls everything behind the scenes, effectively functioning as a king.

The last king of Rome was overthrown due to the aristocratic class's discontent, particularly after he committed a crime against a senator's daughter, leading to the establishment of the Roman Republic.

Octavian's modest lifestyle and respect for the Senate helped him maintain power without appearing as a tyrant, contrasting with Caesar's arrogance.

The Roman Empire's succession problem was a significant failure of Augustus, who relied on heredity for leadership, leading to a series of incompetent rulers until a shift towards selecting qualified successors emerged.