While some senators thought they could save the republic by killing Julius Caesar and taking back the powers of government, his death actually sped up the change from a republic to an empire. Why was the Senate unsuccessful in regaining control of the republic?

Question

A.
Octavius inherited Caesar’s wealth and was able to stay in power as emperor.
B.
Octavius pretended to support the Senate but then threw them out of Rome.
C.
The Senate was divided amongst themselves over which of them should be the next emperor.
D.
The Senate didn’t have the support of the governors in the far-away provinces.

Answer 1

The correct answer is C. The Senate was divided amongst themselves over which of them should be the next emperor.

After Julius Caesar's assassination, there was significant infighting among the senators about who should take power, leading to a lack of unity. This division weakened the Senate's position and ultimately facilitated the rise of figures like Octavius (later Augustus) who consolidated power and transitioned Rome from a republic to an empire.