There are more ways than ever to listen to History Daily ad-free.

Listen with Wondry Plus in the Wondry app.

As a member of NoisorPlus at noisor.com or in Apple Podcasts,

or you can get all of History Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts at IntoHistory.com.

Thank you. It's September 46 BCE and the field of Mars, a parade ground in the heart of the city of Rome.

On the back of a magnificent white horse, 17-year-old Roman nobleman, Octavian, rides past ranks of soldiers in gleaming armor to salute the day's guest of honor the 54-year-old Roman general and Octavian's great-uncle,

Julius Caesar.

With a blast of a horn, thousands of soldiers begin marching away from the parade ground

and onto the streets of Rome.

Octavian nudges his horse forward to follow.

Three years ago, after conquering Gaul, Julius Caesar ordered his army south.

Crossing the Rubicon River, he entered Italy with his army

and plunged the Roman Republic into civil war.

Since then, Caesar has defeated almost all his rivals and had himself

appointed dictator by the Senate. It seems that the old Roman Republic is dying and giving way to

the rule of a single man. And now, Caesar's arranged for a triumphant procession through Rome to

demonstrate his power and his great-nephew Octavian is part of the festivities.

Octavian guides his horse along the side of the marching column, but it's not easy to maneuver

in the packed streets. Thousands of Romans have turned out to cheer their leader.

Octavian passes a group of soldiers, carrying chests bursting with corneid jewels and coins.

This loot will fund free food and entertainment for the people of Rome.

Naxt Octavian encounters monkeys in cages from the far-off lands that Roman armies have conquered.

...