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Rome then became a republic (a state ruled by the people). It had two leaders, called consuls . The Romans thought this was safer than letting one man rule alone. New consuls were chosen every year by the Senate, an assembly of rich, powerful men. In wartime, the Senate could ask one man to become dictator for a while. But this was risky, both for the Senate and for the dictator. One brilliant army commander, Julius Caesar, took the position of emperor in 44 bc . He thought he had it all until he was stabbed to death by his comrades because they thought he was too fond of power.

One famous consul and orator was Cicero.

Julius Caesar was emperor in 44 bc .

12 THE UNTOLD HISTORY OF ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS: ROMANS