As Caesar approached Rome, he was met by a large and enthusiastic crowd of his supporters, who cheered him and hailed him as a hero. However, the optimates, led by Cato the Younger and Cicero, attempted to block Caesar's way into the city, arguing that he should disband his army and enter Rome as a private citizen. Caesar refused, insisting that he had a right to enter Rome with his army as a victorious general, and he eventually forced his way into the city.
Once in Rome, Caesar set about consolidating his power. He met with the Senate and demanded that his acts in Gaul be confirmed, which was eventually done, although not without opposition. He also began to reward his supporters and punish his enemies, and he eventually emerged as the dominant political figure in Rome.