The role of naming yourself as dictator can be traced back to Julius Caesar. The Roman Senate granted excluded powers to Octavian, who then adopted the title Augustus in 27 BC. This was the crucial event that ended the republic. Two consuls were elected by the citizens and the senate composed of appointed officials. The roles of Roman society were formed on the basis of the struggles between the aristocracy and the plebeians, who constitute the majority of the general public. Over time, the rights and decisions of the patricians were overturned, and commoners gained influence in legislation. The leaders at that time governed with strong morality, but eventually the situation would change. The post-Roman Republic, otherwise known as the imperial period, was led by emperors and large territorial possessions in Europe, Asia, and Africa. Rome was the largest city in the world between 100 BC and 400 AD. During this republic there were a series of wars and conflicts. Julius Caesar appointed himself dictator and ruled until he was assassinated in 44 BC The Roman Senate granted Octavian, Caesar's son, imperial power with his new title of Augustus. This meant the end of the Roman Republic. The Roman Empire continued to expand