The empire known for its vast conquests across Europe and Asia under the famous leader named Julius was the Roman Empire. Julius Caesar, who lived from 100-44 BCE, played a crucial role in the rise of the Roman Republic to one of the most powerful empires in history. His military campaigns, particularly in Gaul, significantly expanded Rome's territory. Although he was assassinated before he could complete his plans for further expansion and reform, Caesar's legacy paved the way for the rise of the Imperial phase of Rome under his adopted heir, Augustus. The transformations initiated by Caesar fundamentally altered Rome's political structure and its dominance in the ancient world.