The role of calling oneself a 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 consisted of appointed officials. The roles of Roman society were formed based on the struggles between the aristocracy and the plebeians, who constituted the majority of the general public. Over time, the rights and decisions of patricians were overturned and commoners gained influence over legislation. The leaders of this era governed with strong morals, but that would eventually change. The Post-Roman Republic, also known as the Imperial Period, was ruled by emperors and vast 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 his assassination in 44 BC. The Roman Senate granted Caesar's son Octavian power imperium under his new title of Augustus. This meant the end of the Roman Republic. The Roman Empire continued to grow