Julius Caesar and the Late Republic (88-27 BC)
In the civil wars of the late Republic, rival commanders, such as Pompey the Great
and the dictator Julius Caesar, vied for domination. On the Ides of March, 44 BC,
Caesar was murdered by Brutus. By 31 BC, Octavian, adopted son of Caesar, had
defeated his rivals Marc Antony and Queen Cleopatra of Egypt, becoming master of the
Roman world.
Silver denarius (42-40 BC)
of Sextus Pompeius, portraying his father, Pompey the Great.
Silver denarius (48 BC)
depicting a chieftain defeated by Caesar.
Silver denarius (44 BC)
portraying Caesar.
Silver denarius (43-42
BC) of Brutus depicting daggers and the cap of liberty-symbolizing freedom after
Caesar's death.
Bronze as (c. 38 BC) portraying
Octavian, bearded, in mourning for Caesar.
Silver tetradrachmon (c.
36 BC) of Cleopatra VII.
Silver "legionary"
denarius (32-31 BC) of Marc Antony, struck to pay his army before
battle in 31 BC.