A government by three people with equal power.

The first Roman triumvirate consisted of Julius Caesar, Crassus, and Pompey. When Crassus died in battle, the alliance between Caesar and Pompey weakened. Julius Caesar dissolved the shared power and declared himself dictator.

The second Roman triumvirate consisted of Octavian Caesar, Mark Antony, and Lepidus. Antony and Octavian soon became more powerful than Lepidus and finally fought for control of Rome. Once again, a Caesar emerges as the dictator.