Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon river, south of Ravenna in Northern Italy, an event that precipitated the Great Roman Civil War, and led to Caesar becoming dictator and the subsequent rise of the imperial era of Rome. Caesar had been appointed to a governorship from southern Gaul to Illyricum. When his term ended, the Roman Senate ordered Caesar to return to Rome and not to bring his army across the Rubicon, the northern boundary of Italy. In 49 BC, Caesar and the 13th legion crossed the riverr. Today, "Crossing the Rubicon" is a metaphor that means to pass a point of no return.
Julius Caesar crossing the Rubicon river, south of Ravenna in Northern Italy, an event in 49 BC that precipitated the Great Roman Civil War, and led to Caesar becoming dictator and the subsequent rise of the imperial era of Rome. Caesar had been appointed to a governorship over a region that ranged from southern Gaul to Illyricum (but not Italy). As his term of governorship ended, the Roman Senate ordered Caesar to disband his army and return to Rome. He was explicitly ordered not to bring his army across the Rubicon river, which was at that time a northern boundary of Italy. In January of 49 BC, Caesar brought the 13th legion across the river, which the Roman government considered insurrection, treason, and a declaration of war on the Roman Senate. He is said to have uttered the phrase "alea iacta est" — the die is cast—as his army marched through the shallow river. Today, "crossing the Rubicon" is a metaphor that means to pass a point of no return.
Size: 4770px × 3546px
Location: Rubicon river, Ravenna, Italy,
Photo credit: © De Luan / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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