A dramatic account of the fateful year leading to the ultimate crisis of the Roman Republic and the rise of Caesar's autocracy When the Senate ordered Julius Caesar, conqueror of Gaul, to disband his troops, he instead marched his soldiers across the Rubicon River, in violation of Roman law. The Senate turned to its proconsul, Pompey the Great, for help. But Pompey's response was unexpected: he commanded magistrates and senators to abandon Rome-a city that, until then, had always been defended. The consequences were the ultimate crisis of the Roman Republic and the rise of Caesar's autocracy. In this new history, Luca Fezzi argues that Pompey's actions sealed the Republic's fate. Drawing on a wide range of primary sources, including Cicero's extensive letters, Fezzi shows how Pompey's decision shocked the Roman people, severely weakened the city, and set in motion a chain of events that allowed Caesar to take power. Seamlessly translated by Richard Dixon, this book casts fresh light on the dramatic events of this crucial moment in ancient Roman history.

At Smarty-pants Elementary, all the students know the rules but not all students follow them. Sweet Safia is terrible at coloring and her terrible tormentor enjoys making Sweet Safia cry. Will Happy-Feliz and Fatso be able to help? Will Terrible Teresa realize her true potential? With the encouragement and aide of Mrs. Joyful Julie they might be able to set this bully on the right path. Happy-Feliz and Fatso's Heroic School Adventures teaches children of all ages that wherever there are bullies, there are heroes who are not afraid to stand up for themselves and others.