The end of the Roman Republic is often marked by the rise of Julius Caesar and the subsequent events of the civil war that led to his assassination in 44 BCE. The Republic gradually collapsed due to internal conflicts, power struggles, and civil wars, culminating in Caesar’s dictatorship, which alarmed many senators. Following his murder, the power struggles continued until Octavian (later Augustus) emerged as the first Roman emperor, effectively establishing the Roman Empire. This transition from a republican form of governance to autocratic rule marked a significant shift in Roman history and governance.