Julius Caesar was the famous Roman general who crossed the Rubicon River in 49 BCE, an act that ignited a civil war in Rome. This crossing symbolized an irreversible step toward conflict, as it was against Roman law for a general to bring his army into Italy. Caesar famously declared, "The die is cast," reflecting his commitment to confront the Senate and claim power. His subsequent victory over his opponents ultimately led to his dictatorship, reshaping Roman politics and society before his assassination in 44 BCE. The phrase "crossing the Rubicon" has since entered the lexicon as a metaphor for making irreversible decisions.