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army on his return and Crassus was blocking his efforts. Caesar persuaded the two men to work together and promised to support their interests if they helped him get elected to the consulship.
This happened in 59 where Caesar was elected consul and the same year he married Julia, the only daughter to Pompey to consolidate their alliance. Caesar pushed Pompey's measures through, helped Crassus' proposals, and got for himself a five-year term as proconsul of Gaul after his consulship was over.

Caesar left Rome for Gaul in 58 and he would not return for 9 years, in the course of which he would conquer most of what is now central Europe, opening up these lands to Mediterranean civilization-a decisive act in world history. However, much of the conquest was an act of aggression prompted by personal ambition. Fighting in the summers, he would return to Cisalpine Gaul (northern Italy) in the winters and manipulate Roman politics through his supporters.
In 56 Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus met in Caesar's province to renew their coalition, since Pompey had been increasingly moving toward the Optimate faction. Pompey and Crassus were to be consuls again, and Caesar's command in Gaul was extended until 49 BC.
In 54 Caesar led a three-month expedition to Britain but he did not establish a permanent base there. Meanwhile, Caesar's coalition with Pompey was increasingly strained, especially after Julia died in childbirth in 54. In the following year, Crassus received command of the armies of the East but was defeated and killed by the Parthians.
Rioting in Rome led to Pompey's extra-legal election as consul without a colleague in 52. Without Julia and Crassus, there was little to bond Caesar and Pompey together, and Pompey moved to the Optimate faction.
The conquest of Gaul effectively completed in 51, Caesar set up an efficient provincial administration to govern the vast territories. The Optimates in Rome attempted to cut short Caesar's term as governor of Gaul and made it clear that he would be immediately prosecuted if he returned to Rome as a private citizen. Pompey and Caesar were maneuvered into a public split; neither could yield to the other without a loss of honor, dignity, and power.
Caesar tried to maintain his position legally, but when he was pushed to the limit he led his armies across the Rubicon River, which was automatic civil war. Pompey's legions were in Spain, so he and the Senate retreated to Brundisium and from there sailed to the East. Caesar quickly advanced

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