As the republican government was developing, Roman territory continued to expand. In a series of wars the Romans conquered lands all around the Mediterranean, creating an overseas empire that brought them unheard-of power and wealth. As a result, many Romans became more cosmopolitan and comfortable, and they were especially influenced by the culture of one conquered land: Greece. Yet social unrest also came in the wake of the wars, opening unprecedented opportunities for ambitious generals who wanted to rule Rome like an empire. Civil war ensued, which was quelled briefly by the great politician and general Julius Caesar. His grandnephew Octavian, better known to history as Augustus, finally restored peace and order to Rome.